Islamabad: General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain, began an official visit to Pakistan, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
During his meetings, the Interior Minister conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to Pakistan’s leadership. He was received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who both underlined Pakistan’s strong commitment to furthering relations with Bahrain.
Talks focused on expanding cooperation in security, counterterrorism, combating drug trafficking, immigration, and the development of joint initiatives. Both sides highlighted the valuable contributions of the Pakistani community in Bahrain and reaffirmed their commitment to building closer people-to-people ties.
The Interior Minister also met Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, and Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Pakistan’s Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control. Discussions included the formation of a joint security committee to enhance cooperation in police modernisation, artificial intelligence, border security, coast guard operations, and training. Agreements were also reached to sign memoranda of understanding on extradition and mutual legal assistance.
Further, he met Brigadier Ghulam Abbas, Director General of the Pakistani Coast Guard, where the focus was on strengthening maritime security cooperation and capacity building through exchange visits.
The visit reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Bahrain and Pakistan, while setting the stage for expanded collaboration in security and development.