MANAMA: President Asif Ali Zardari was awarded Bahrain’s highest civilian honour, the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, in recognition of his pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-Bahrain relations. The prestigious award was presented at Qudaibiya Palace, where the Pakistani president was accorded a warm reception and a guard of honour.
Accompanied by First Lady BB Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Balochistan Agriculture Minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, President Zardari met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for one-on-one discussions on the current state of bilateral ties, expressing satisfaction at their positive progress.
During an extended meeting, both leaders explored practical ways to enhance cooperation in trade and investment. President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s aim to convert strong political relations into deeper commercial and investment linkages, inviting Bahraini investors to priority sectors including agriculture, food security, IT, digital services, health, tourism, and infrastructure. He also highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting bilateral ventures.
The president underlined the longstanding defence and security collaboration between the two countries as a cornerstone of their relationship and expressed the desire to further strengthen these ties. Addressing regional and global dynamics, he noted that the world is navigating an era of rapid change and uncertainty, requiring nations to respond with unity, patience, prudence, and tolerance.
President Zardari also acknowledged the Pakistani community in Bahrain numbering over 116,000 as a vital bridge between the two nations. He expressed gratitude to the Bahraini leadership for providing opportunities, respect, and facilities to Pakistanis, and commended their role in Bahrain’s development. He highlighted the establishment of King Hamad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a lasting symbol of bilateral friendship.
In his address at a dinner hosted in honour of President Zardari, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described Pakistan and Bahrain as historically, culturally, and religiously bonded nations, calling the president’s visit a significant milestone in their relationship. He praised the Pakistani community’s contributions and lauded Pakistan’s support in regional peace and stability and in broader Arab-Islamic world issues.
The event was attended by Pakistan’s ambassador to Bahrain, S. Rauf, and Bahrain’s ambassador to Pakistan, Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulqader, while the Bahraini delegation included Commander of Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdulatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.