President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan–Bahrain relations through modern visa systems and digital platforms. He urged both nations to make it easier for Pakistani professionals and workers to access opportunities in Bahrain. The President made these remarks during a meeting with Bahrain’s Interior Minister, General Sheikh Rashid Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.
President Zardari praised the existing cooperation between the two countries, especially the visa abolition for diplomatic and official passport holders. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration in security, immigration, counterterrorism, and narcotics control. Highlighting that over 120,000 Pakistanis live in Bahrain, he noted their key role in the prosperity of both nations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further developing this partnership.
The President described Bahrain as a brotherly country, with historical ties and strong people-to-people connections. He invited officials from Bahrain’s Interior Ministry to visit Islamabad for more in-depth discussions. He emphasized that Pakistan remains open to expanding its bilateral framework in all key sectors, especially security and labor mobility.
General Sheikh Rashid conveyed warm wishes from the leadership and people of Bahrain. He appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani community in Bahrain’s growth and expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation. Areas highlighted included counterterrorism, law enforcement, and capacity building. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s desire to further strengthen its long-standing ties with Pakistan.
The Bahraini delegation included top security and diplomatic officials. On the Pakistani side, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, and Senator Nadeem Mandviwalla were present. The meeting reflected a mutual desire to deepen ties and modernize mechanisms that benefit citizens of both nations.