Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to enhance bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, coast guard operations, immigration, and border and police security, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
The development came during the visit of Lieutenant General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, to the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad. He was warmly received by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who led the Pakistani side in high-level delegation talks.
During the delegation-level discussions, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to boost collaboration in key security domains. The meeting also discussed the signing of agreements related to anti-narcotics operations, police and special battalion training, and expanding cooperation in the field of immigration.
The idea of establishing a Joint Working Group was welcomed by both parties, as it would serve as a dedicated platform to operationalise cooperation across various sectors.
Interior Minister Naqvi emphasised Pakistan’s serious commitment to fighting narcotics, highlighting that the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has shown "remarkable performance despite limited resources", achieving recoveries worth $146 million.
He termed anti-drug cooperation as a matter of high national and generational importance, adding that the joint meeting would help shape a concrete and unified action plan for this critical area.
Naqvi also appreciated Bahrain’s decision to appoint a drug liaison officer at its embassy in Islamabad, calling it a constructive step toward mutual coordination. He acknowledged the role of over 120,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain, noting their valuable contribution to the development of both nations.
In his remarks, Bahrain’s Interior Minister Lt Gen Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said Bahrain places great importance on its brotherly relations with Pakistan and is committed to enhancing cooperation across all fields.
He stated that the formation of the Joint Working Group and signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) would pave the way for deeper and more structured collaboration between the two countries.
The meeting was also attended by senior Bahraini delegation members, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, Special and Additional Secretaries, the Director General of the ANF, the Commandant of the National Police Academy, as well as the Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Islamabad.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani