Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized the potential to elevate Pakistan-Bahrain bilateral trade from $550 million to $1 billion within the next three years.

The remarks came during his meeting with Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama, where both leaders discussed opportunities for deepening economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz highlighted that the proposed increase in trade would be supported by the Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is in its advanced stages of finalization. Recent visa facilitation measures were also noted as a step toward improving bilateral commerce.

The Prime Minister invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as food security, IT, construction, mining and minerals, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism. He also proposed enhanced port-to-port connectivity between Karachi and Gwadar with Khalifa Bin Salman Port, aiming to boost trade logistics.

PM Shehbaz congratulated Bahrain on its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, expressing Pakistan’s readiness for close coordination during its tenure. He also acknowledged Bahrain’s support for the over 150,000-strong Pakistani community and reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to provide skilled manpower.

Further collaboration was discussed in higher education, technical training, and digital governance, building on initiatives like the King Hamad University project. The Prime Minister also thanked Bahrain for facilitating the release and repatriation of Pakistani nationals.

Defence and security cooperation were key discussion points, with both sides agreeing to expand collaboration in training, cybersecurity, defence production, and information sharing. The leaders also addressed the recent developments in Gaza, stressing that peace and stability are long overdue for its people.

The meeting concluded with confidence that the discussions would translate into tangible outcomes, further strengthening Pakistan–Bahrain relations across strategic, economic, security, and people-to-people domains.

Upon arrival at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama, PM Shehbaz was received with a guard of honour. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, and other officials.