Bahrain has said it is seeking to advance approval of a long-awaited free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council, signalling renewed momentum in Islamabad’s economic outreach to the Gulf. The announcement followed the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad, co-chaired by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The talks covered a wide agenda, including trade, investment, energy, food security, technology, labour mobility, education and defence-related cooperation. Officials from both sides described the engagement as part of a broader effort to turn longstanding political ties into stronger economic results.
Free trade pact in focus
Al Zayani said Bahrain, which currently holds the GCC presidency, was working to help move the Pakistan-GCC free trade agreement toward signing and approval. Dar also expressed confidence that the pact would support Islamabad’s goal of expanding imports and exports with Gulf states.
The two sides agreed to establish a government-level joint working group on trade and investment. They also decided to convene an energy-focused working group next month to discuss oil, gas and minerals cooperation.
Wider areas of cooperation
The Joint Ministerial Commission reviewed more than a dozen fields for collaboration. These included agriculture and food security, information technology, health, higher education, media, culture, sports, maritime affairs, logistics, skills development and law enforcement.
Dar said Pakistan remained committed to increasing bilateral trade with Bahrain toward the previously discussed target of $1 billion. He also urged facilitation for skilled Pakistani workers, including recognition of professional qualifications and degrees.
Regional issues discussed
The ministers exchanged views on tensions in the Gulf, attacks on commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and the need to protect freedom of navigation. They also discussed Palestine and regional de-escalation through diplomacy.
Dar raised Pakistan’s concerns over India’s move regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, saying it affected the country’s water, food and energy security.
High-level meetings
During his visit, Al Zayani met President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. The meetings focused on investment, defence cooperation, regional security and the Pakistani community in Bahrain, which numbers well over 100,000.
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