Strategic Partnership Takes Shape In a high-level meeting held in Islamabad on September 10, 2025, Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, immigration, border security, and police training. The meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Bahraini Interior Minister General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa marked a pivotal moment in regional collaboration.

Formation of a Joint Working Group Both nations committed to establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG) to streamline efforts in key areas such as:

  • Counter-narcotics operations
  • Coast guard coordination
  • Border surveillance
  • Immigration policy reform
  • Specialized police and battalion training

This group will serve as a formal mechanism to ensure sustained dialogue and operational alignment.

Signing of Key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) Pakistan and Bahrain also agreed to sign MoUs covering:

  • Extradition protocols
  • Mutual legal assistance
  • Specialized training programs for law enforcement

These agreements aim to enhance legal cooperation and build institutional capacity in both countries.

Anti-Narcotics Force Commended Interior Minister Naqvi praised Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for achieving a record-breaking $146 million recovery despite limited resources. He emphasized that counter-narcotics efforts are vital to securing the future of younger generations and welcomed Bahrain’s decision to appoint a Drug Liaison Officer at its embassy in Islamabad.

People-to-People Ties and Economic Cooperation Naqvi highlighted the contributions of over 120,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain, noting their role in strengthening bilateral relations. During separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Bahraini delegation discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and visa facilitation.

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing expedited visa processing for Bahraini businessmen and expressed hope for increased Bahraini investment in diverse sectors.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Regional Collaboration The agreements and discussions signal a renewed commitment to regional security, economic growth, and institutional development. With the formation of the Joint Working Group and signing of MoUs, Pakistan and Bahrain are poised to deepen their strategic partnership and tackle shared challenges with unified resolve.