Pakistani, UAE officials agree to expand cooperation in railways sector

ISLAMABAD: The top military officials of Pakistan and Bahrain discussed regional security and ways to strengthen bilateral military cooperation to meet security challenges, Pakistan’s military said on Tuesday. 

General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the commander of the National Guard of Bahrain, met Pakistan’s Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said. 

Al Khalifa praised Pakistan Army’s professionalism and appreciated their efforts in combating “terrorism,” the ISPR said. 

“During the meeting, both leaders engaged in discussions on matters of mutual interest, the regional security landscape, and avenues for strengthening bilateral military cooperation,” the military’s media wing said. 

Munir underscored the significance of enhanced collaboration in addressing shared security challenges and fostering peace and stability in the region, the ISPR added. 

Bahrain is a key member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and a favorite destination for the Pakistani workforce since the early 1970s, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Gulf countries and regularly partakes in bilateral military drills with them to foster joint cooperation to counter security challenges. 

Both countries have established a Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) at the level of the foreign ministers, with the Pakistan-Bahrain trade volume between $500 million and $1 billion in recent years, as per Pakistan’s foreign ministry. 
 

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s leading fuel station company, Wafi Energy Pakistan, this week announced its partnership with public relations and advocacy firm Nutshell Communications to enhance its presence in the South Asian country. 

Wafi Energy, an affiliate of the Asyad Group, made headlines last year when it became the majority shareholder of Shell Pakistan Limited (SPL) in November 2024. It now holds approximately 87.78 percent of the total issued share capital of SPL. However, the Shell brand will remain in Pakistan through retail and brand licensing agreements, with SPL as the exclusive brand licensee.

Wafi Energy announced it had partnered with Nutshell Communications, which says on its website it offers clients integrated PR, full spectrum marketing and communications services to build its brand’s reputation. 

“Nutshell Communications are experts at strategic communications and brand positioning,” Wafi Energy Pakistan CEO Zubair Shaikh was quoted in a press release issued by Nutshell Communications. “This partnership will play a key role in helping us build a strong, trusted presence in Pakistan’s energy landscape.”

Shaikh said the company aimed to invest in sustainable fuel and lubricants solutions, and advancing infrastructure to support Pakistan’s evolving energy needs.

Nutshell Group Chairman Azfar Ahsan reaffirmed his firm’s resolve to support transformative industry collaborations. 

“Global partnerships are essential to strengthen Pakistan’s economic resilience and energy independence,” Ahsan was quoted as saying. “Wafi Energy Pakistan’s presence significantly enhances Pakistan’s regional standing, and we are committed to nurturing this partnership toward continued growth and mutual success.”

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have moved in recent months to further strengthen trade and investment ties. Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in October 2024 worth $2.8 billion. 

Islamabad is also eyeing Saudi investment in key sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and minerals, infrastructure and others to keep its fragile $350 billion economy afloat.