CDS Hosted Roundtable Discussion on “Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Ties: A Cornerstone for Boosting Regional Economy and Connectivity”
By CDS— February 5, 2026| Islamabad | Thursday
The Centre for Development and Stability (CDS) hosted and organized Roundtable Discussion Public on titled “Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Ties: A Cornerstone for Boosting Regional Economy and Connectivity” on February- 5, 2026 at Serena Hotel Islamabad.
The guest speakers were Members Majlis-e- Shura Sultanate of Oman: His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Ramadhan Qasim AL Balushi; His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Ali Sulaiman AL Balushi; His Excellency Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Ali AL Balushi; His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Ali Mohammed AL Hamidi AL Saadi; His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Masoud Awadh AL Ubathani; Rear Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem; and Shahid Gichki.
The discussion began with welcome remarks of Brig (R) Asif Haroon Raja Patron-in-Chief, CDS. In his welcome remarks, Brig (R) Haroon said that it is a great honour for the Centre for Development and Stability to warmly welcome the distinguished delegation from the Sultanate of Oman to Pakistan. He further appreciated and said that their presence reflects the deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect, and enduring bonds that define Pakistan–Oman relations, grounded in shared history, cultural affinity, and common values.
Further, Brig (R) Haroon stated that Pakistan holds strategic and historical importance for Oman, and our partnership extends beyond diplomacy to strong people-to-people ties, maritime linkages, and cooperation in defence, trade, and regional security. At this important juncture, Pakistan and Oman are well positioned to deepen collaboration in economic connectivity, energy security, and parliamentary diplomacy. He said that this visit is both symbolic and timely, confirming our shared commitment to peace, development, and mutual prosperity. On behalf of CDS, he once again extended a heartfelt welcome.
Mr. Shahid Gichki was a keynote speaker in his speech he welcomed members of Majlis-e-Shura from Oman and called them beloved Omani brother. He further said that Pakistan and Oman share deep historical, cultural, and Islamic bonds our relationship is not just diplomatic but it is truly fraternal. Moreover, the large Pakistani community in Oman feels at home because of Omani hospitality and the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and we sincerely value this goodwill.
He emphasised that Pakistan has vast potential for economic partnership, Pakistan’s strategic location and growing market, together with Oman’s strong economy and world-class ports like Duqm and Sohar, make Pakistan and Oman natural trade partners.
Therefore, Pakistan and Oman must expand cooperation in trade, logistics, fisheries, energy, IT, agriculture, and infrastructure, while improving business connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Further Mr. Shahid Gichki underscored that Pakistan-Oman ties represent a shared economic future and by strengthening this partnership prosperity can be brought to both nations and the wider region.
Dr. Irfan Ashraf Director General, CDS shed light on the theme of the seminar and said that Pakistan-Oman bilateral relations continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional economic growth and connectivity. Rooted in shared history, cultural affinity, and people-to-people ties, the relationship has evolved into a strong and forward-looking partnership. Recent high-level engagements in 2025 confirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, and maritime security. Gwadar Port has emerged as a key connectivity hub, offering Oman enhanced access to South Asia, Central Asia, and western China. He added that shared cooperation of China , Pakistan and Oman can boost regional economy. He stressed on extension of CPEC to Oman through triparty engagement.
He further said that Oman’s Vision 2040 aligns closely with Pakistan’s connectivity and industrial capabilities, creating opportunities for joint ventures and investment. Bilateral trade in energy, agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing remains a strong pillar of cooperation. Both sides have emphasized the importance of parliamentary and business-to-business engagement to unlock new economic potential. These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional supply chains and promote economic interdependence across the Arabian Sea. Pakistan and Oman remain committed to translating their fraternal ties into sustained prosperity and regional stability.
Brig (R) Asif Haroon Raja described that Pakistan–Oman defence ties are quite significant, particularly in the domain of maritime security. He said that amid shifting global geopolitics, intensifying great-power competition, and declining traditional security guarantees, trusted defence partnerships among middle powers are gaining renewed importance. The speaker observed that Pakistan’s growing recognition as a responsible middle power and regional stabiliser has expanded its strategic outreach, while the shared geostrategic location of Pakistan and Oman along the Arabian Sea and near the Strait of Hormuz through which a major portion of global energy supplies transit—underscores the strategic value and untapped potential of deeper bilateral defence cooperation.
His Excellency Mr. Talib bin Khamis AL Balushi, Council of Oman, Sultanate of Oman delivered remarks on behalf of all delegates of Sultanate of Oman and expressed sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan its leadership, government, and people for their generous hospitality, warm reception and excellent organization. He also thanked Centre for Development and stability for kind invitation and for its significant role in promoting dialogue, building bridges of communication, and supporting cooperative paths between brotherly countries.
He further said that relations between Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are historical founded on maritime trade, human interaction and cultural affinity. Now these relations evolved into a genuine and active partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, and convergent visions. He further said this partnership is manifested in cooperation across multiple field; logistic, energy fence, IT and Investment etc. The bond of Islamic brotherhood shared history and mutual interest between Oman and Pakistan place upon us as a shared responsibility. This visit reaffirms the Sultanate of Oman commitment to deepening its partnership with Islamic Republic of Pakistan and strengthening practical cooperation and embracing innovative initiatives.
Rear Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem stated that Pakistan–Oman defence and security cooperation serves as a strategic enabler for regional economic stability and connectivity, particularly in the maritime domain. He emphasized that secure sea lanes are essential for trade, energy flows, and investor confidence, noting that Pakistan and Oman share a long history of maritime linkages, strong people-to-people ties, and converging regional perspectives. Highlighting institutionalised defence cooperation and growing naval collaboration, he said that enhanced maritime security, information sharing, and capacity building are key to ensuring stability in the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region, thereby supporting sustainable regional development.
Tahir Bashir, Head of the Balochistan Rural Support Program, said that we can build skills in youth to improve job placement capacity in Balochistan. He stressed the need for enhanced international support to expand employment opportunities for trained youth. Mr. Rauf Rind urged the Omani delegation to visit Gwadar and explore its economic potential. He said Gwadar could become a gateway for deeper Pakistan–Oman cooperation. Mr. Rind stated that Pakistan looked toward Oman due to the strong presence of the Baloch community there. He acknowledged that Oman had already been providing valuable opportunities to Baloch workers. He urged Oman to further increase its support in skills development and job placements.
Senator Danesh Kumar expressed hope for stronger and brotherly relations between the two countries. He said expanded cooperation with Oman would directly benefit youth and marginalized communities. The speakers collectively called for enhanced collaboration to promote shared growth and mutual prosperity.
CDS also invited Omani delegation to visit Gwadar and highlighted that Pakistan has immense business potential in Pakistan, particularly in the fisheries sector. Both Oman and Pakistan can boost trade and generate revenue through collaborative efforts.
The roundtable discussion concluded with participants acknowledging and reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening Pakistan–Oman relations through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation. Emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration in maritime security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, while recognizing the importance of parliamentary engagement in guiding future initiatives. The discussion ended on a positive note that reflected a collective resolve to interpret longstanding fraternal ties into tangible outcomes that contribute to regional stability and mutual prosperity.
