Bahrain National Guard commander meets Pakistan military leadership, discusses defence cooperation

Commander of the Bahrain National Guard, H.H. General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, with both sides discussing regional security and ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, the regional security environment, and avenues for strengthening defence and security ties between Pakistan and Bahrain.

The two dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and underscored the importance of expanding military-to-military collaboration.

During his visit, the Bahraini commander also held separate meetings with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

At Naval Headquarters, discussions centred on bilateral defence cooperation and regional maritime security. The Bahraini commander commended the Pakistan Navy’s role in promoting cooperative maritime security and described it as a stabilising force in the region

At Air Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber briefed the visiting dignitary on the Pakistan Air Force’s ongoing modernisation drive, including capability enhancement, infrastructure development, indigenisation initiatives and advanced training reforms.

The two sides also exchanged views on emerging defence technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors and digital innovation, as well as evolving air defence challenges and integrated defence architectures.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa praised the professionalism and operational readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their contributions to regional peace and stability.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s indigenous defence capabilities and modernisation efforts, expressing interest in expanding cooperation in training, emerging technologies and capacity-building initiatives.

The ISPR said the visit reflects the strong and enduring defence partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain and is expected to further advance bilateral military cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.