Pakistan and Bahrain Agree to Boost Trade to $1 Billion, Ease Visa Policies
Islamabad (Qudrat Daily) — Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to increase bilateral trade to **$1 billion** and introduce **relaxed visa regulations** to enhance economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama. Upon arrival at Qasr Al-Qudaibiya, the Prime Minister was given a formal guard of honour.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister appreciated Bahrain’s warm hospitality and commended the leadership for strengthening bilateral ties. He congratulated Bahrain on securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening mutual cooperation during that period.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain H.R.H. Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa receives Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at Bahrain International Airport in Manama.#PMShehbazSharif #BahrainVisit #BahrainVisit #PakistanBahrainRelations #Manama pic.twitter.com/ECxoyfOyRl
— APP (@appcsocialmedia) November 26, 2025
**Trade Target Set at $1 Billion**
Economic cooperation remained the central focus of discussions. The Prime Minister highlighted the potential to expand bilateral trade — currently over USD 550 million — and announced the shared goal of raising it to **$1 billion within three years**. This target will be achieved through the Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement, now nearing completion, and recent visa policy relaxations.
The Prime Minister invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in food security, IT, construction, mining and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism. He also suggested enhancing port-to-port connectivity between Karachi/Gwadar and Khalifa bin Salman Port.
He acknowledged Bahrain’s support for the more than 150,000-strong Pakistani community and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing skilled professionals. Both sides agreed to further collaboration in higher education, technical training, and digital governance. The Prime Minister also thanked Bahrain for assisting in the repatriation of Pakistani citizens and for supporting the construction of King Hamad University in Islamabad.
**Defence and Security Cooperation Strengthened**
The two leaders reviewed defence and security cooperation and agreed to expand collaboration in training, cyber security, defence production, and information sharing. They also discussed developments in Gaza, expressing hope for lasting peace and stability for the long-suffering Palestinian people.
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### **Meeting with Bahrain’s King and Highest Civilian Honor**
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Bahrain’s monarch, **His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa**, where both sides reaffirmed the strength of their historic and brotherly relations. The Prime Minister lauded Bahrain’s longstanding goodwill toward Pakistan and its efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence.
During the meeting, King Hamad conferred upon the Prime Minister the **Order of Bahrain (First Class)** — the highest honour Bahrain awards to global leaders.
In a significant historical revelation, King Hamad informed the Prime Minister that, according to official records, **Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah once served as Bahrain’s legal representative**, a fact regarded with great pride by the Kingdom.
Both leaders reviewed the encouraging momentum in bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, defence, and cultural fields. The Prime Minister thanked Bahrain for its support in establishing the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad by September 2025.
They also reaffirmed the importance of defence cooperation, particularly in technical training, logistics, manpower, and defence production.
At the conclusion of the meetings, both sides expressed confidence that the visit would further solidify the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain.
