Efforts will be fast-tracked to finalise Pakistan-GCC FTA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to fast-track efforts to finalise the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology and labour.

The understanding was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain joint ministerial commission (JMC), co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The two sides agreed to establish a government-level joint working group on trade and investment as an institutional mechanism for regular consultations, coordination and cooperation on bilateral economic ties.

They also agreed to move forward with the GCC-Pakistan FTA, while a joint working group on energy is scheduled to meet next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas and minerals.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain had signed the protocol of the third JMC session, reflecting their shared commitment to deepening economic and commercial ties.

Pakistan also stressed the importance of maintaining the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-ul-Mandab, given their significance for regional and global food and energy security.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in industrial development, agriculture and food security, higher education, skills development, IT, logistics and maritime affairs. They also welcomed stronger interaction between the business communities of the two countries.

Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain had reaffirmed their commitment to labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development, with the objective of creating greater opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.

Al Zayani said cooperation would also be strengthened in food security, IT, law enforcement, media, health, education, culture and sports.

Beyond bilateral ties, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving disputes and addressing emerging challenges.

On the evolving situation in the Gulf, they stressed restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic engagement.

Dar said Pakistan remained committed to playing a constructive role in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

The talks also covered developments in South Asia, particularly Afghanistan and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Dar stressed that Afghan territory must not be allowed to be used for activities against Pakistan.

On the IWT, he reiterated Pakistan’s position that India’s unilateral decision to place the treaty in abeyance amounted to a material breach of international law and risked turning shared water resources into an instrument of political pressure.

Al Zayani described the visit as reaffirming the strategic character of Pakistan-Bahrain relations and said both sides were determined to build on the outcomes of the JMC to promote peace, stability and prosperity.

The two sides also discussed the situation in Palestine. Pakistan reaffirmed its principled support for the Palestinian people and their rights, while stressing the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and a just and lasting solution in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026