What happened

Bahrain is working to accelerate the approval of a free trade agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), according to Dawn. The announcement was made by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani during a joint press briefing with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar following the third Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) session in Islamabad.

The visiting foreign minister described bilateral ties as stable and growing, noting that discussions during his two-day visit encompassed cooperation across more than 15 fields.

Key facts

  • Bahrain, currently holding the GCC presidency, committed to expediting the approval and signing of the GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement. Specific economic figures for the deal were not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
  • Both nations agreed to establish a joint working group on trade and investment, alongside an energy working group focused on oil, gas, and minerals.
  • Cooperation will also be pursued in agriculture, food security, information technology, health, education, law enforcement, media, culture, sports, and labour mobility.
  • The two countries will mark 55 years of diplomatic relations on October 14. More than 140,000 Pakistani expatriates reside in Bahrain.
  • Bahrain expressed appreciation for Pakistan's UN Security Council stances and its efforts to assist US-Iran de-escalation, including hosting the Islamabad Talks.
  • Both sides addressed maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, while Al Zayani condemned attacks on Saudi Arabian civilian facilities.
  • Foreign Minister Dar raised concerns over India placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating it impacts the water, food, and energy security of 250 million Pakistanis.
  • The fourth JMC session is scheduled to be held in Bahrain in 2027, with both nations aiming to hold meetings on an annual basis moving forward.

Why it matters

According to Dawn, Bahrain's presidency within the GCC provides a key pathway toward finalizing the long-discussed free trade agreement with Pakistan. The talks demonstrate a shared effort to strengthen economic ties, coordinate on regional security concerns, and reinforce bilateral partnerships across South Asia and the Gulf region.

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Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 08, 2026 · Photo by Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash