Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani discussed expanding bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain. The ministers reviewed the existing Pakistan–Bahrain relations during their meeting.
Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar confirmed that joint working groups under the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held productive discussions. Leadership aimed to double the bilateral trade volume to reach $1 billion within a three-year timeframe.
Ishaq Dar also welcomed the progress made towards the Gulf Cooperation Council-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (GCCFTA). Bahrain has recruited 1,800 Pakistani personnel, including thirty retired army officers, for the Bahrain National Guard.
A memorandum of understanding, welcomed in June 2026, was signed between Pakistan Coast Guards and Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior. Bahrain has hosted approximately 134,000 Pakistani nationals.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani condemned the terrorist attacks that struck Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia. Al Zayani asserted that attacks targeting airports and civilian infrastructure contravene international law and international humanitarian law.
Bahrain views Saudi Arabia’s security as fundamental to its own security and that of the wider GCC. Al Zayani expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in hosting discussions held in Islamabad.
Bahrain and Pakistan coordinated efforts on matters of international law, peace, security, maritime security, and freedom of navigation at the UN Security Council. The two leaders, DPM Dar and FM Al Zayani, will co-chair the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
During the meeting, the two sides will review bilateral relations and discuss strengthening cooperation across trade, investment, economic cooperation, defence and security, labour and manpower, and cultural exchanges. DPM Dar and FM Al Zayani are scheduled to exchange views on regional and international developments at multilateral forums.
Pakistan and Bahrain maintain close, brotherly relations founded on shared faith, common values, mutual respect, and long-standing people-to-people links. General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa met with Pakistani military leaders in June.
