Pakistan-Oman Historic Ties: Strategic Brotherhood and Future Horizons

Introduction: Centuries of Friendship, A Vision for the Future

The relationship between Pakistan and the Sultanate of Oman stands as a pillar of stability and trust in South Asia and the Gulf region. Rooted in centuries of cultural, economic, and social exchange, the Pakistan-Oman partnership has transformed from a historical bond into a modern alliance focused on innovation, economic growth, and regional connectivity.

Both nations, sharing the Arabian Sea’s strategic coastline, are working to shape a future defined by sustainable development, technological advancement, and mutual prosperity.

1. Deep Historical Foundations: Beyond Diplomacy

The Pakistan-Oman connection dates back to ancient trade routes linking the Makran coast of Balochistan to Muscat’s harbors. Even today, one-third of Oman’s population traces its ancestry to Balochistan, symbolizing deep-rooted people-to-people ties.

A historic milestone in this relationship was the transfer of Gwadar from Omani to Pakistani control on 28 September 1958. For 175 years, Gwadar had been part of Oman, and its peaceful handover to Pakistan highlighted the enduring friendship and strategic understanding between the two nations. This moment laid the foundation for Pakistan’s modern maritime development and Oman’s diplomatic goodwill.

2. Strategic Relations: Maritime Security and Regional Stability

Both countries share vital maritime boundaries in the Arabian Sea, which makes naval and security cooperation a cornerstone of their bilateral ties.

In recent years, Pakistan and Oman have expanded maritime collaboration, conducting joint naval exercises, intelligence exchanges, and port visits. The 2026 agreement between the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman on data-sharing for commercial vessel tracking has strengthened regional maritime safety.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan’s Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Centre (JMICC) and Oman’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) ensures coordination against piracy, human trafficking, and smuggling, protecting one of the world’s busiest sea routes.

Earlier, the 2020 MoU on military cooperation paved the way for defense training, joint drills, and personnel exchanges. Within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), both nations continue to align diplomatically, voicing shared support for peace, stability, and the Palestinian cause.

3. Economic Cooperation: Expanding Trade and Connectivity

The core of modern Pakistan-Oman’s economic relations lies in trade, energy, and connectivity. Oman supplies petroleum and gas products, while Pakistan exports textiles, rice, fruits, and surgical goods.

In 2025, Pakistan invited Oman to use Gwadar and Karachi ports for expanded access to Central Asian markets, marking a shift toward regional integration. These initiatives complement the Ashgabat Agreement, a transport pact connecting Central Asia to the Persian Gulf via Pakistan and Oman.

The Pakistan Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POCCI) plays a key role in facilitating joint ventures. Under Oman Vision 2040 and Pakistan Vision 2025, both countries are seeking to diversify beyond traditional sectors. Pakistan’s IT and agricultural industries are seen as promising opportunities for Omani investment.

4. Labour Force and People-to-People Exchange

The Pakistani community in Oman, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, forms a bridge of cooperation and goodwill. These skilled workers contribute significantly to Oman’s economy, particularly in construction, logistics, and services.

Bilateral discussions now emphasize skills training, worker protection, and legal facilitation, ensuring fair employment and capacity building in both countries. This evolving framework reflects a shared commitment to human capital development and sustainable labour cooperation.

5. Policy Dialogue and Institutional Cooperation

Diplomatic channels between the two nations remain vibrant. The 8th Session of Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations, held in Muscat, covered trade, education, culture, and security.

Oman also extended invitations for Pakistan to participate in Gulf business expos, while Pakistan encouraged joint forums for academic and innovation partnerships. Both sides are also exploring tourism promotion and cultural exchange programs to strengthen societal connections.

6. Think-Tank Diplomacy: The Role of CDS in Strengthening Pakistan-Oman Ties

A unique dimension of Pakistan-Oman relations has emerged through think-tank diplomacy. The Centre for Development and Stability (CDS), a leading Pakistani research organization, has played an influential role in promoting intellectual dialogue, regional policy studies, and economic collaboration.

The CDS has published analytical reports on Pakistan-Oman bilateral relations and collaborative prospects, emphasizing connectivity, maritime security, and digital innovation. It has also hosted Omani delegations in Karachi to discuss opportunities in trade, energy, and technology.

In 2025, CDS organized a major event in Islamabad featuring the CEO of Oman’s COMEX, focusing on Pakistan-Oman IT collaboration, digital transformation, and regional growth. These initiatives underscore how Track-II diplomacy, led by research institutions, can complement state-to-state engagement and create an ecosystem of trust, innovation, and long-term partnership.

Through its forward-thinking research and dialogue, CDS continues to strengthen Pakistan’s intellectual and policy footprint in the Gulf region, reinforcing both nations’ shared vision for sustainable development and cooperation.

Importantly, CDS’s proactive engagement is ongoing. The think tank is set to host an upcoming seminar with senior Omani officials, titled “Pakistan–Oman Bilateral Ties: A Cornerstone for Boosting Regional Economy and Connectivity.” This forthcoming event aims to advance further discourse on strategic collaboration, trade expansion, and innovation-driven regional integration, reaffirming CDS’s commitment to fostering meaningful and future-oriented cooperation between Pakistan and Oman.

7. Future Horizons: Innovation, Energy, and Regional Growth

The next phase of Pakistan-Oman relations is focused on innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth:

• Digital and High-Tech Innovation

Pakistan’s expanding IT and software industries align perfectly with Oman’s Vision 2040 goal of building a knowledge-based economy. Joint investment in tech startups, fintech solutions, and e-governance platforms can boost bilateral trade and youth employment.

• Transport Corridors and Logistics

With Gwadar and Karachi emerging as regional trade gateways, Oman can leverage these ports for enhanced connectivity to South Asia and Central Asia, positioning both nations as maritime and logistics leaders.

• Sustainable Energy Cooperation

Both countries are exploring renewable energy ventures, including solar, wind, and hydrogen. These partnerships support global sustainability goals and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

• Cultural and Educational Exchange

Strengthening academic collaboration and research programs between Pakistani and Omani universities can develop human capital and promote understanding among younger generations.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Trust, A Future of Transformation

The Pakistan-Oman relationship embodies a legacy of trust, respect, and shared aspirations. From the peaceful transfer of Gwadar to the joint pursuit of maritime security and economic resilience, the partnership reflects centuries of mutual commitment.

As Oman Vision 2040 focuses on digital innovation and sustainable growth, and Pakistan Vision 2025 prioritizes industrial modernization and connectivity through CPEC, the alignment of these national strategies offers a roadmap for deeper cooperation.

Institutions like the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS) are reinforcing this partnership through policy research, dialogue, and innovation-based collaboration, ensuring that diplomatic goodwill is supported by intellectual capital and actionable strategies.

Today, Pakistan and Oman are not only preserving a historic bond, they are shaping a future of shared progress. Through innovation, technology, and cultural diplomacy, both nations have the potential to transform the Arabian Sea corridor into a hub of peace, trade, and connectivity, setting an example of how enduring partnerships can evolve into engines of regional growth, sustainability, and stability.

The author is affiliated with the State News Agency and voluntarily contributes her research to the think tank, CDS.

*The views and opinions expressed herein, and any references, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS).