Thu, September 17, 2026
Manama (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari was presented with Bahrain’s highest civilian honour during an official ceremony, in recognition of his role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom.King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa (First Class), paying tribute to his services in promoting closer cooperation between the two brotherly Islamic states.
The president was received at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace with a formal guard of honour, after which he signed the visitors’ book. He was accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Balochistan’s Agriculture Minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, according to the President’s Secretariat.
President Zardari then held a meeting with King Hamad, during which the two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest.
They agreed on the importance of deepening engagement and expressed satisfaction over the steady progress of Pakistan–Bahrain relations.
President conveyed his gratitude for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality shown to him and his delegation, and appreciated the Bahraini monarch’s continued goodwill towards Pakistan. He reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding cooperation in political, economic, defence and cultural areas and once again invited King Hamad to visit Pakistan officially.
An extended discussion followed, focusing on practical steps to strengthen trade and investment ties. President Zardari said Pakistan was keen to convert its strong political relationship with Bahrain into stronger economic partnerships.
He encouraged Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors such as agriculture and food security, information technology and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure, and highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in facilitating foreign investment.
He described Bahrain as a key economic partner and said enhanced collaboration could create win-win opportunities for both sides. Referring to Pakistan’s economic potential, regional connectivity and skilled workforce, he urged the promotion of joint ventures aimed at achieving sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
President Zardari also drew attention to the long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries, calling it a major pillar of their bilateral relationship. He noted the close institutional links between their armed forces and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further deepen this partnership.
While reviewing regional and international developments, the president stressed that unity, wisdom, perseverance and restraint would be essential in the current global environment.
He also paid tribute to the Pakistani community in Bahrain, calling them an important link between the two nations.
President Zardari thanked the Bahraini leadership for the respect and opportunities given to more than 116,000 Pakistanis living in the Kingdom and praised their contribution to Bahrain’s development and people-to-people ties.
He also appreciated the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, describing it as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability and multilateralism, and highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
They also agreed to work together at international forums, including the United Nations, particularly on matters of common concern to the Muslim Ummah.
Speaking at a banquet hosted in President Zardari’s honour, King Hamad described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly nations bound by history, mutual respect and Islamic ties.
He called the visit an important milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations and reiterated Bahrain’s determination to broaden cooperation with Pakistan in political, economic, commercial and development fields.
The Bahraini ruler also thanked Pakistan for its continued support and praised the Pakistani community for its positive role in the Kingdom’s progress.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to the causes of Arab and Islamic countries, as well as its efforts to promote peace and stability at both regional and global levels
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