MANAMA – A high-level meeting in Bahrain puts Pakistan’s growing role in Gulf security back in the spotlight as ISI chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik met Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as both sides move to deepen defence ties and coordinate on rapidly evolving regional challenges.
The meeting of Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik and Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa shows rapidly expanding security and defence relationship between Islamabad and Manama.
During meeting, Pakistan spymaster and Bahrain ruler reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed major developments shaping the region and the wider international landscape.
Bahrain Crown Prince stressed coordination across multiple sectors, saying closer cooperation could contribute to the progress and prosperity of both countries. Security developments in the region were a key part of the discussions, with the Bahraini leadership recognising Pakistan’s role alongside its allies in efforts to promote regional peace, security and stability.
Lt Gen Asim Malik conveyed Pakistan’s appreciation for the crown prince’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and extended his wishes for Bahrain’s continued development and prosperity.
The latest talks come amid a noticeable increase in diplomatic and military engagement between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Rising regional tensions involving Iran put Pakistan’s growing defence relationship with Bahrain under the spotlight, raising questions over whether Islamabad could provide military support if Manama faces a major security threat.
Pakistan and Bahrain have steadily expanded defence cooperation through military exchanges, training and high-level consultations. Bahrain’s National Guard commander visited Pakistan in June and met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as well as Pakistan’s air and naval chiefs, to discuss stronger military coordination.
Currently, Bahrain is not under Makkah pact to get collective defence from Pakistan, Saudi. Islamabad could nevertheless consider assistance if Bahrain formally requested support. Depending on the circumstances, that could involve intelligence sharing, military training, air-defence coordination, naval cooperation or, potentially, deployment of Pakistani personnel and military assets.
Islamabad maintains close defence ties with alll Gulf states while also seeking to preserve diplomatic relations with neighbouring Iran.
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