Pakistan Bahrain ties moved into sharper focus on Wednesday as President Asif Ali Zardari held high-level talks with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Manama, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and security while reaffirming their long-standing strategic partnership.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, the two leaders held comprehensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations that span diplomacy, defence collaboration and people-to-people links.
High-Level Talks in Manama
President Zardari underscored Pakistan’s commitment to transforming strong political relations with Bahrain into tangible economic outcomes. He emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral trade volumes and creating new avenues for investment cooperation, particularly at a time when Pakistan is seeking stronger economic engagement with Gulf partners.
The Pakistan Bahrain talks reflected the traditionally close relationship between the two countries, built on mutual trust, defence cooperation and a large Pakistani workforce contributing to Bahrain’s economy.
Expanding Trade and Investment Cooperation
While trade between Pakistan and Bahrain remains modest, it has shown steady growth in recent years. Pakistan exports rice, textiles, meat and agricultural products to Bahrain, while importing aluminium products and petrochemical-related goods.
President Zardari invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities across key Pakistani sectors, including agriculture and food security, information technology and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure development. He highlighted Pakistan’s market potential and strategic location as a gateway to South and Central Asia.
Islamabad has been actively encouraging Gulf investment as part of a broader strategy to stabilise the economy and attract long-term foreign capital.
Security and Defence Partnership
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with President Zardari describing defence ties as a “pillar” of Pakistan–Bahrain relations. The two countries have maintained close coordination in defence and security matters for decades, reflecting shared regional concerns and strategic alignment.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional and global challenges.
Role of Pakistani Expatriate Community
President Zardari paid tribute to the more than 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in Bahrain, calling them a vital bridge between the two nations. He thanked the Bahraini leadership for its continued support and facilitation of Pakistani workers, whose remittances from Gulf states remain a key source of foreign exchange for Pakistan.
The Pakistani community is one of the largest South Asian expatriate groups in Bahrain, playing a significant role in various sectors, including construction, services, security, and healthcare.
Zardari Receives Bahrain’s Highest Civilian Award
During the visit, King Hamad conferred upon President Zardari the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, the highest civilian honour of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The award was presented in recognition of Zardari’s services and contributions toward strengthening Pakistan–Bahrain relations.
The honour reflects Bahrain’s appreciation of Pakistan’s role as a trusted regional partner and underscores the depth of bilateral ties at both leadership and institutional levels.
