Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks while speaking to the business community in Manama. He arrived in Bahrain’s capital a day earlier and held delegation-level discussions with the country’s leadership at Al Qudaibiya Palace.
During his address, the prime minister noted that Pakistan and Bahrain have enjoyed decades of strategic cooperation. Speaking directly to Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, he emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to strengthen economic partnership across multiple sectors.
“Pakistan is prepared to deepen its economic cooperation with Bahrain, particularly in agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and any other field where our countries can collaborate and build synergy,” he said. “Our shared knowledge, experience, and commitment can help support one another.”
He said relations between Islamabad and Manama were founded on cultural and religious ties, as well as mutual respect and trust, values he described as the “pillars” of bilateral relations.
PM Shehbaz termed his recent meetings with Bahrain’s leadership “highly productive”. He added, “I am not a visitor here , I have come to meet my family, our Bahraini brothers and sisters. This is the essence of our relationship. Now, our task is to convert this goodwill into meaningful economic cooperation.”
He highlighted Pakistan’s significant youth population, noting that around 60 percent of the country’s citizens fall within the 15 to 30 age bracket. The government, he said, is committed to turning this demographic challenge into an opportunity by equipping young people with IT, artificial intelligence, vocational, and technical skills.
“Together with Bahraini entrepreneurs, we will build strong momentum in these fields,” he said, stressing that “time and tide wait for none.”
The prime minister also praised the Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain. He said that in every country he visited, he met inspiring Pakistani individuals whose love for their homeland remained unwavering, even while contributing their talent and hard work to other nations.
“The more I hear these stories, the more I am convinced that the Pakistani identity is not limited by borders. It lives in the hearts of our people, wherever they may be,” he said. In Bahrain, he added, that spirit is clearly visible.
PM Shehbaz commended Pakistanis living in Bahrain for their valuable role in both countries’ development. He noted that their remittances , totaling $484 million last year , were highly appreciated. He also thanked Bahrain’s leadership for its support and kindness toward the Pakistani community.
The premier stated that Pakistan offered scale, talent, resources, and a growing consumer market, strategically located to connect with the wider region. Combined with Bahrain’s financial strength, business expertise, and global outlook, he said the potential for cooperation was immense.
He further highlighted that Pakistan was undergoing a structural shift marked by economic reforms, digital modernization, and a push for private-sector-led growth. Red tape has been cut, regulatory frameworks strengthened, and new sectors such as agribusiness, IT, minerals, energy, and tourism have been opened for long-term investment partnerships. Pakistan, he added, was eager to learn from Bahrain’s experience.
He also mentioned that the GCC Free Trade Agreement was close to completion and expected to be signed soon. “This will significantly enhance trade between Pakistan and GCC countries, especially Bahrain,” he said. He encouraged Bahraini investors to seize this moment as a “launching pad for bold and meaningful collaboration with Pakistan.”
Dar’s Meeting with Bahrain’s Finance Minister
Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. According to the Foreign Office, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the finance sector and was described as “fruitful”.
Bahrain, which has made significant advancements in fintech, expressed willingness to share its expertise with Pakistan’s banking sector. The discussion also covered potential cooperation between the central banks of both countries.
Both sides agreed to form specialized teams to outline a roadmap for future partnership in finance, banking, commerce, and economic development.
