MANAMA: President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in the Bahraini capital Manama on Wednesday, commencing a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. He was received at the airport by a high-level delegation, including Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Saqib Rauf, and Bahrain’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Muhammad Ibrahim Abdul Qadir, were also present at the welcome ceremony.
The visit is set to feature high-level engagements, with President Zardari scheduled to meet King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. These meetings are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and regional security.
Shortly after his arrival, President Zardari held an initial meeting with Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, where the two exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
As part of his itinerary, the President will also address a gathering at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, highlighting opportunities for economic partnership between the two nations. The visit underscores ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic relations.
Meanwhile the political deadlock over the position of Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly appears to be nearing a resolution, following key meetings on Wednesday. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has reportedly assured the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that a formal notification on the appointment will be issued today on Wedensday.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking after his meeting with the Speaker, stated unequivocally that his party’s nominee for the post is Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). “There is no other person for the opposition leader than Mahmood Khan Achakzai,” Gohar asserted, adding that no other candidate was discussed in the Speaker’s office. This declaration seeks to quell any speculation about internal party disagreement.
