Pakistan, Oman Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation; Dar Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Oman have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, labor, information technology and media, while stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional tensions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar made the remarks during a joint press stakeout with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi in Islamabad on Wednesday, following the successful conclusion of the 8th Session of the Pakistan–Oman Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). Welcoming his Omani counterpart and the accompanying delegation, Dar said the discussions had taken place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding bonds of friendship, mutual trust and brotherhood between the two countries. He said both sides had reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across a broad range of sectors of mutual interest. New Agreements to Deepen Bilateral Ties Dar announced that the two countries would sign the protocol of the 8th Session of the Pakistan–Oman Joint Ministerial Commission, as well as an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports. Additional bilateral agreements would cover news and information exchange, communications and information technology, historical documentation, records and archives management, and media cooperation. He said the visa exemption agreement would facilitate official exchanges and promote closer engagement between the two countries. A key outcome of the JMC session was the strengthening of the bilateral institutional framework through the establishment and operationalization of joint working groups on trade and investment, agriculture, oil and gas, and labor and human resource development. These mechanisms are expected to ensure regular engagement, improve coordination and facilitate the effective implementation of decisions taken by the commission. Focus on Trade, Investment and Labor Mobility The two sides welcomed closer engagement between their business communities and encouraged greater investment in Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to promote trade, investment and economic partnerships. Dar also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Oman, describing it as an important bridge between the two brotherly countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in labor mobility, vocational training and human resource development to create new opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers. Pakistan Calls for Restraint in the Gulf Discussing the evolving situation in the Gulf, Dar underscored the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further instability. He highlighted the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, given their critical importance to regional and global food and energy security. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to contributing constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region. Dar Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Dar said he had conveyed Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, which resulted in injuries to several people, the martyrdom of one Pakistani national and injuries to five other Pakistani nationals. He stressed that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable, violated international law and posed a serious threat to regional peace and security. Reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity with the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security in accordance with the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. Pakistan Reiterates Support for Palestine On Palestine, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s principled and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights. He expressed concern over the continued expansion of illegal settlements and efforts to alter the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. He also emphasized the urgent need to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a just and lasting settlement in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. Kashmir Dispute Remains Unresolved Dar also raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as a longstanding unresolved international issue. He reiterated Pakistan’s call for a and peaceful resolution in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Afghanistan and Indus Waters Treaty The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and the Indus Waters Treaty. Dar stressed that Afghan territory must not be used to carry out activities against Pakistan, underscoring the importance of addressing Islamabad’s security concerns.  Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, he said India’s unilateral decision to hold the treaty in abeyance constituted a material breach of international law and represented a dangerous attempt to weaponized shared water resources. He warned that the move threatened Pakistan’s water, food and energy security, with potentially serious implications for the country’s population of approximately 250 million Commitment to Continued Cooperation Concluding his remarks, Dar thanked the Omani foreign minister and his delegation for their constructive engagement and valuable contribution to the successful conclusion of the JMC session. He said Pakistan looked forward to the 9th Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission, which will be held in the Sultanate of Oman. Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan–Oman relations remained strong and forward-looking, with both countries committed to building a more prosperous future through expanded cooperation, mutual trust and sustained diplomatic engagement.