--- title: "Pakistan and Bahrain agree to fast-track GCC-Pakistan FTA" description: "Most outlets led with the agreement to fast-track the finalisation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, highlighting the commitment from Bahrain. A few also noted the broader pledge to enhance cooperation in various sectors, with one excerpt briefly mentioning the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthening Pak-Bahrain ties and Bahrain’s praise for the professionalism of Pakistan’s Armed Forces." url: https://harzaviya.com/stories/12811-bahrain-s-foreign-minister-arrives-in-pakistan-for-two-day site: HarZaviya language: en --- # Pakistan and Bahrain agree to fast-track GCC-Pakistan FTA pakistan · updated 9 Oct 2026, 10:10 AM PKT · 7–9 Oct 2026 · 49 articles from 19 outlets over 3 developments ## How it developed Newest development first. Each carries its own coverage and, where we have one, our summary of it. ### 9 Oct 2026 — Pakistan and Bahrain agree to fast-track GCC-Pakistan FTA (3 outlets) > Most outlets led with the agreement to fast-track the finalisation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, highlighting the commitment from Bahrain. A few also noted the broader pledge to enhance cooperation in various sectors, with one excerpt briefly mentioning the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthening Pak-Bahrain ties and Bahrain’s praise for the professionalism of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. - **Daily Times** — [Pakistan, Bahrain agree to form joint trade group, finalise FTA with GCC](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1564597/pakistan-bahrain-agree-to-form-joint-trade-group-finalise-fta-with-gcc/) · 9 Oct 2026, 10:10 AM PKT > Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including trade, investment, industries, agriculture and food security, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs, besides committing to finalise the Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed as Pakist... - **The Nation** — [Bahrain committed to finalising GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement: FM](https://www.nation.com.pk/09-Oct-2026/bahrain-committed-finalising-gcc-pakistan-free-trade-agreement-fm) · 9 Oct 2026, 7:18 AM PKT · 83% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan, Bahrain to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors PM vows to further strengthen Pak-Bahrain cooperation Bahrain FM praises professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces. - **Business Recorder** — [Efforts will be fast-tracked to finalise Pakistan-GCC FTA](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40443375/efforts-will-be-fast-tracked-to-finalise-pakistan-gcc-fta) · 9 Oct 2026, 6:18 AM PKT · 84% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to fast-track efforts to finalise the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology and labour. The understanding was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain joint ministerial commission (JMC), co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Fo... ### 8 Oct 2026 — Pakistan and Bahrain hold joint ministerial meeting to boost trade (16 outlets) > Most outlets led with the agreement to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion within three years, as announced during the third Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission meeting. Several also highlighted the establishment of a joint trade working group and efforts to finalize a GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. A few outlets noted the visit of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister to Islamabad and the detailed discussions between the two foreign ministers. While the framing of the trade target varied slightly — some called it a "target," others a "goal" or "agreement" — the emphasis on economic cooperation remained consistent across the coverage. - **Profit** — [Pakistan, Bahrain agree to expand trade, investment cooperation, establish joint working groups](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/10/08/pakistan-bahrain-agree-to-expand-trade-investment-cooperation-establish-joint-working-groups) · 8 Oct 2026, 10:57 PM PKT > Both countries to advance cooperation in energy, agriculture, IT and labour mobility; GCC-Pakistan FTA progress to be reviewed next year - **Daily Times** — [Bahrain pledges to finalize GCC Pakistan free trade agreement](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1564370/bahrain-pledges-to-finalize-gcc-pakistan-free-trade-agreement/) · 8 Oct 2026, 10:10 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, industry, agriculture and food security. The countries also reaffirmed their commitment to finalize the Pakistan-GCC free trade agreement. Read More: Pakistan, Bahrain set $1bn bilateral trade target The agreement came during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad. D... - **Pakistan Today** — [PM Shehbaz seeks stronger Bahrain ties in trade, energy](https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/10/08/pm-shehbaz-seeks-stronger-bahrain-ties-in-trade-energy) · 8 Oct 2026, 10:03 PM PKT · 63% identical wording to the newest filing > PM Shehbaz seeks stronger Bahrain ties in trade, energy during meeting with FM Al Zayani - **Minute Mirror** — [PM Shehbaz pushes bold new Pakistan-Bahrain ties](https://minutemirror.com.pk/pm-shehbaz-pushes-bold-new-pakistan-bahrain-ties-641530/) · 8 Oct 2026, 7:34 PM PKT · 70% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain in trade, - **24 News HD** — [PM vows to further strengthen Pak-Bahrain cooperation](https://www.24newshd.tv/08-Oct-2026/pm-vows-strengthen-pak-bahrain-cooperation) · 8 Oct 2026, 6:56 PM PKT · 69% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underscored Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development. - **Business Recorder** — [Pakistan, Bahrain agree to operationalise joint working groups, expand trade ties](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40443281/pakistan-bahrain-agree-to-operationalise-joint-working-groups-expand-trade-ties) · 8 Oct 2026, 6:18 PM PKT · 81% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to strengthen the institutional framework of their bilateral relationship by operationalising joint working groups, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside his Bahraini counterpart Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Dar said the mechanisms would ensure regular engagement and effective implementatio... - **Associated Press of Pakistan** — [PM express satisfaction over positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bahrain bilateral relations](https://www.app.com.pk/national/pm-express-satisfaction-over-positive-trajectory-of-pakistan-bahrain-bilateral-relations/) · 8 Oct 2026, 6:14 PM PKT · 69% identical wording to the newest filing > Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development. - **Pakistan Observer** — [Pakistan, Bahrain Target $1 Billion Trade in Three Years](https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-bahrain-target-1-billion-trade-in-three-years/) · 8 Oct 2026, 4:55 PM PKT · 76% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to double bilateral trade to $1 billion within three years by strengthening cooperation in trade,… - **ARY News (English)** — [Bahrain pledges to finalize GCC-Pakistan free trade agreement](https://arynews.tv/bahrain-pledges-to-finalize-gcc-pakistan-free-trade-agreement) · 8 Oct 2026, 4:53 PM PKT · 81% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, industry - **Abb Takk News** — [Pakistan, Bahrain set $1bn bilateral trade target within three years](https://abbtakk.tv/pakistan-bahrain-set-1bn-bilateral-trade-target-within-three-years/) · 8 Oct 2026, 3:58 PM PKT · 74% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to step up economic cooperation and work towards doubling bilateral trade to $1 billion over the next three years. The agreement was reached during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar... - **Geo News** — [Pakistan, Bahrain aim to double bilateral trade in three years](https://www.geo.tv/latest/685584-pakistan-bahrain-aim-to-double-bilateral-trade-to-1bn-in-three-years) · 8 Oct 2026, 3:00 PM PKT · 75% identical wording to the newest filing > Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain's FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani are addressing a joint press briefing in Islamabad on Oct 8, 2026. — Screengrab via ForeignOfficePkPakistan, Bahrain hold 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission session.DPM Dar,... - **Aaj News (English)** — [Pakistan, Bahrain set $1bn bilateral trade target: Dar](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330475714/pakistan-bahrain-set-1bn-bilateral-trade-target-dar) · 8 Oct 2026, 2:20 PM PKT · 70% identical wording to the newest filing > Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan and Bahrain have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties and expand cooperation across various sectors. Addressing the third meeting of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad on Thursday, Dar said that both sides needed to mak... - **The Nation** — [Pakistan, Bahrain vows to boost bilateral cooperation on trade](https://www.nation.com.pk/08-Oct-2026/pakistan-bahrain-vows-boost-bilateral-cooperation-trade) · 8 Oct 2026, 2:18 PM PKT · 77% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan and Bahrain have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade and economic relations, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressing Islamabad’s desire to take bilateral economic ties to a new level. - **Hum News English** — [Pakistan, Bahrain set up trade working group, vow to finalise GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement](https://humenglish.com/latest/pakistan-bahrain-set-up-trade-working-group-vow-to-finalise-gcc-pakistan-free-trade-agreement/) · 8 Oct 2026, 2:04 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday signed the agreed minutes of the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), agreeing to set up a joint working group on trade and investment and to push for the early finalisation of the GCC-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Z... - **Dawn** — [Pakistan, Bahrain aim to boost bilateral trade as Dar, visiting FM chair JMC meeting](https://www.dawn.com/news/2035648/pakistan-bahrain-aim-to-boost-bilateral-trade-as-dar-visiting-fm-chair-jmc-meeting) · 8 Oct 2026, 12:53 PM PKT · 72% identical wording to the newest filing > Pakistan on Thursday expressed its commitment to boost bilateral trade with Bahrain as the two countries held the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who arrived in Pakistan last night on a two-day visit, are co-chairing the JMC session. Addressing the media... - **The Express Tribune** — [Pakistan, Bahrain agree to form joint trade group, push GCC free trade deal](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633672/pakistan-bahrain-agree-to-form-joint-trade-group-push-gcc-free-trade-deal) · 8 Oct 2026, 8:04 AM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > FM Dar held talks with Al Zayani, with the two sides discussing ways to expand cooperation in trade and economic ### 7 Oct 2026 — Bahraini foreign minister visits Pakistan for bilateral talks (15 outlets) > Most outlets reported that Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani arrived in Pakistan for a two-day visit, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties through trade, investment, defense, and security discussions. Several also mentioned that the visit includes co-chairing the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. A few outlets, such as the Associated Press of Pakistan and Pakistan Today, highlighted the invitation extended by Dar. While the framing was largely consistent, some outlets, like Business Recorder and BOL News, emphasized labor cooperation as a topic of discussion, which others did not explicitly mention. - **Pakistan Today** — [Bahrain FM arrives in Islamabad to co-chair Pakistan-Bahrain JMC](https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/10/07/bahrain-fm-arrives-in-islamabad-to-co-chair-pakistan-bahrain-jmc) · 7 Oct 2026, 11:50 PM PKT > Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani arrives in Islamabad for a two-day visit to co-chair the third Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with Ishaq Dar. Talks will focus on trade, investment, defence, labour, cultural exchanges and regional developments. - **The Nation** — [Bahrain FM Al Zayani arrives in Pakistan on two-day visit](https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Oct-2026/bahrain-fm-al-zayani-arrives-pakistan-two-day-visit) · 7 Oct 2026, 11:04 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. - **24 News HD** — [Bahrain Foreign Minister arrives in Islamabad](https://www.24newshd.tv/07-Oct-2026/bahrain-foreign-minister-arrives-islamabad) · 7 Oct 2026, 10:58 PM PKT · 80% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain Foreign Minister Dr. - **Associated Press of Pakistan** — [Bahrain FM Al Zayani arrives in Pakistan on two-day visit](https://www.app.com.pk/national/bahrain-fm-al-zayani-arrives-in-pakistan-on-two-day-visit/) · 7 Oct 2026, 10:12 PM PKT · 79% identical wording to the newest filing > Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Wednesday arrived on a two-day official visit to Pakistan from October 7–8. - **Pakistan Observer** — [Bahrain FM Al Zayani Arrives in Islamabad for JMC Talks](https://pakobserver.net/bahrain-fm-al-zayani-arrives-in-islamabad-for-jmc-talks/) · 7 Oct 2026, 9:57 PM PKT · 90% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day visit, during which he… - **BOL News** — [Bahrain FM Al Zayani heads to Pakistan for trade, defense talks with Ishaq Dar](https://bolnews.com/pakistan/bahrain-fm-al-zayani-heads-to-pakistan-for-trade-defense-talks-with-ishaq-dar) · 7 Oct 2026, 4:09 PM PKT · 88% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani visits Pakistan for talks on trade, investment, defense, security and labor cooperation. - **Minute Mirror** — [Bahrain FM arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit](https://minutemirror.com.pk/bahrain-fm-arrives-in-pakistan-for-two-day-visit-640782/) · 7 Oct 2026, 2:52 PM PKT · 79% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is arriving in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day - **Daily Pakistan (English)** — [Bahrain FM Al Zayani due in Pakistan Today for Trade, Defence Talks](https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/07-Oct-2026/bahrain-fm-al-zayani-due-in-pakistan-today-for-trade-defence-talks) · 7 Oct 2026, 2:31 PM PKT · 85% identical wording to the newest filing > ISLAMABAD – Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is due in Pakistan for a two-day visit, with Islamabad preparing for key talks on trade, investment, defence and security. Al Zayani, who is visiting Pakistan on October 7 and 8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, will hold […] - **Geo News** — [Bahrain's FM Al Zayani due in Pakistan today to discuss security, trade: FO](https://www.geo.tv/latest/685403-bahrains-fm-al-zayani-due-in-pakistan-today-to-discuss-security-trade-fo) · 7 Oct 2026, 2:04 PM PKT · 81% identical wording to the newest filing > Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meets Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, US, September 25, 2026. — Instagram/foreignofficepkBahrain's FM visiting... - **Aaj News (English)** — [Bahrain foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for two-day official visit](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330475554/bahrain-foreign-minister-arrives-in-pakistan-for-two-day-official-visit) · 7 Oct 2026, 1:17 PM PKT · 84% identical wording to the newest filing > Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is scheduled to arrive here today for a two-day official visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Al Zayani will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Pakistan–Bahrain ... - **Daily Times** — [Bahrain’s foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit](https://dailytimes.com.pk/1563776/bahrains-foreign-minister-arrives-in-pakistan-for-two-day-visit/) · 7 Oct 2026, 1:03 PM PKT · 83% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit. He is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Read More: Bahrain FM congratulates Ishaq Dar on Makkah defence pact The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan […] - **Business Recorder** — [Bahrain foreign minister to visit Pakistan for talks on trade, defence: FO](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40443084/bahrain-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-for-talks-on-trade-defence-fo) · 7 Oct 2026, 1:00 PM PKT · 83% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani will visit Pakistan from October 7 to 8 for talks with Pakistani officials on strengthening bilateral ties, including trade, investment, defence and security cooperation, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Wednesday. Al Zayani will co-chair the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with Deputy Prime Minister an... - **Dawn** — [Bahrain FM to arrive in Pakistan today on 2-day visit](https://www.dawn.com/news/2035375/bahrain-fm-to-arrive-in-pakistan-today-on-2-day-visit) · 7 Oct 2026, 12:39 PM PKT · 91% identical wording to the newest filing > Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani is set to arrive in Pakistan on a two-day visit on Wednesday to co-chair the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said the dignitary will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from Oct 7-8 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. “The two s... - **Arab News Pakistan** — [Bahrain foreign minister due in Pakistan today for trade, security talks](https://www.arabnews.pk/pakistan/bahrain-foreign-minister-due-in-pakistan-today-for-trade-security-talks-3003413) · 7 Oct 2026, 11:39 AM PKT · 75% identical wording to the newest filing - **The Express Tribune** — [Bahrainian FM arrives in Pakistan for two-day visit](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633466/bahrainian-fm-arrives-in-pakistan-for-two-day-visit) · 7 Oct 2026, 7:30 AM PKT · 90% identical wording to the newest filing > FM Dar and Al Zayani will co-chair the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, FO says ## Part of a bigger story Other stories whose coverage resembles this one, nearest first. 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