Pakistan not sending troops to Bahrain or Saudi: PM

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday denied speculation that Pakistan was sending its troops to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, DawnNews reported.

In response to a question posed by media representatives after a ceremony at the M.M. Alam airbase in Mianwali, the premier said Pakistan was not sending its forces to either of these countries and neither had it been approached to do so.

He said the Bahraini king's visit to Pakistan was beneficial to the country and should be viewed as such, adding that the country was faced with multiple challenges and timely decisions needed to be made.

King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan, leading a 21-member delegation which includes his top defence and internal security chiefs.

On Wednesday, King Hamad along with his delegation made an unprecedented visit to the Joint Services Headquarters (JSHQ) in Rawalpindi where both sides discussed “brotherly relations between the two countries and vowed to further enhance military cooperation”.

Pakistan has been looking at the visit as an opportunity for expanding trade and promoting investment links but Bahrain appears more interested in bolstering defence relationship.

In 2011, Pakistan had helped Bahrain quell an uprising against the monarchy by sending security personnel recruited through military’s welfare wings — Fauji Foundation and Bahria Foundation.

Also today, when asked why airforce and naval chiefs were not appointed on the post of chairman joint chief of staff committee, Prime Minister Sharif said that in the future they would also be handed the assignment.

He defended his call of appointing Rashad Mehmood as the CJCSC and said there was no imbalance in this decision.

Moreover, the Mianwali airbase was renamed today to M.M. Alam airbase with the prime minister presiding over the plaque inauguration.

A brother and sister of Air Commodore (retd) Muhammad Mahmood Alam Khan were also present on the occasion.

M.M. Alam, a veteran of the 1965 and 1971 wars, had passed away in a hospital in Karachi in March 2013 after a long illness.

Mateen Haider contributed to reporting

Pakistan

Analysis: Quiet and dangerous engagement

King of Bahrain vows to enhance military cooperation at JSHQ

King of Bahrain in Pakistan; six agreements on cooperation signed

kashif

Mar 20, 2014 12:12pm

But you are selling arms for Syria.....you gone drown the whole country you dum head

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Umer Iqbal

Mar 20, 2014 12:24pm

Look guys, Its lies and lots of lies everywhere, Pakistan will definitely send its army support to protect north side of Saudi Arabia and support dissidents of Syria to bring down asad group, if not today then definitely some days later in exchange of these aids and these secret meetings. Nothing in this world is done for free!

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Javaid

Mar 20, 2014 12:42pm

I wonder if Mianwali airbase will suddenly develop a thriving restaurant scene.

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sahi

Mar 20, 2014 12:43pm

@kashif: What can we expect from Jihadis who are spreading Jihad all over the world. We cannot understand what kind of Jihad is this to sell arms to kill Mankind

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Ace

Mar 20, 2014 12:55pm

No body get 1.5$ billion for free! fishy

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Ali S

Mar 20, 2014 01:05pm

We didn't learn anything from our Afghan misadventure. Syria might be the last nail in the coffin. History isn't kind to those who fail to learn from it.

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Imi

Mar 20, 2014 01:28pm

Everybody knows what were the remarks of the American Senator in his previous government.

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Syed

Mar 20, 2014 01:31pm

Tha is a very politically crafted statement in which he deliberately didnot mention sending the troops to other countries such as Syria.

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Mar 20, 2014 01:45pm

Pakistan army are very ready to quell uprising in other countries but lack the vigour to uproot terrorist from its own soil.From 2007 to 213 many operations are conducted in FATA without any result instead surplusing people misery.

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Fiz

Mar 20, 2014 01:47pm

Then they must be sending something else. If its not troops, then is it weapons along with jihadis? Come on, come clean Mr.PM, kuch tu hai jis ki pardadari hai?

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Aftab Kenneth Wilson

Mar 20, 2014 01:53pm

Perhaps he wants to say '' not serving but retired soldiers and some strategic assets''. Remember there are sizable citizens in Bahrain who are from Shia community. We are not prepared to learn any lessons from past.

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Isa

Mar 20, 2014 02:13pm

As the lader of the Islamic nations, Pakistan must help our fellow Islamic nations in times of need. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are countries facing mass revolt from the public and need our help to control the situation. They can also help us with badly needed money

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Khanm

Mar 20, 2014 02:22pm

@kashif: Language please. We know you are upset but don't loose your values. It is political elite who can afford to loose their values for a few dollars more

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RFR

Mar 20, 2014 02:43pm

The performance of PMLN is excellent, they are on right track. need to extend more cooperation with all muslim and pro Pakistani states.

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Mar 20, 2014 02:44pm

If Nawaz Sharif tries to have better relations with India, right-wing parties make noise and if he tries to make better relations with Arabs, left-wing parties make noise. I suggest to ignore these noise makers and do best for the economic betterment of the country.

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SYEDA SARA BATOOL

Mar 20, 2014 03:43pm

nice step to rename airbase on the name of national hero,.

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Desi surfie

Mar 20, 2014 04:20pm

Who said Pakistan is going to send their security personnel ...No no noooooo"..Pakistan is going to supply Jehadis with Guns..to Syrian war theatre .Which will serve two purposes,Pakistan will be cleared of TTP mercenaries and also get paid for it.But it is going to be a dangerous bet, Everybody Cross your Fingers.

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Shahid Khan

Mar 20, 2014 04:22pm

PM is not realizing that Pakistanis are not fools anymore. No body said that Pakistan is sending troops to SA or Bahrain. Infact, Pakistan already has troops in Saudi Arabia. My father served in SA as a Pak Officer. What we are saying is that stop gettting involved in Sunni Shia fights and stop banking on making profits of these fights. Pakistan should focus on real development of educating its people, develop home based (generic) growth, and develop a tolerant society. We can build great relations with all our neighbours. PM wants to win but keeping only short run agenda. It is not important if PM wins or not, what is important is if Pakistan wins. Stop dodging!

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Karachi Wala

Mar 20, 2014 04:45pm

It is nothing but a white lie by PM.

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sultan ahmed

Mar 20, 2014 04:53pm

Pakistan will never send its armed forces to abroad. Please do not to heed any rumores.

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S Chaudhury

Mar 20, 2014 05:01pm

@RFR: Rubbish

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gerry d'cunha

Mar 20, 2014 06:04pm

saudia arabia known to be the pillor of 'islam' is responsible to spend money on 'jihadis' to destroy its own muslim brothers and sisters in muslim countries

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Ghani K

Mar 20, 2014 06:15pm

A business man himself, now a prime minister, is never too far from his personal interests. To Saudi Royals he owes a gratitude for sheltering him when Musharraf ousted him, sent him to exile. Sheikh of Bahrain visited JSHQ. What was he doing there, certainly not playing a friendly game of cards. Baharain has a big American Naval base, where US 6th Naval fleet makes frequent stop over. Bahrain has a sizeable Shia population, it is on smaller scale Iraq where minority ruled majority. Pakistan is becoming a defender of autocratic rulers, there are many angles to this puzzle.One thing for sure, Pakistan under Sharif's government is becoming a proxy in middle east conflicts.

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Shahpur

Mar 20, 2014 06:45pm

Pakistani troops and arms are already in Jordon, doing what Saudis want Shariffs to do.

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Mohsin Haq

Mar 20, 2014 06:48pm

According to fresh intelligence reports the Saudis are interested in acquiring nuclear weapons from Pakistan as they see Iran as a Imminent threat. These small Arab nations are coming together to form a Alliance against Iran when their strategy to counter Irans influence in Iraq , Lebanon and Syria is now failing. Al Qaida has been badly defeated in Syria and the Arabs are in a Panic Mode. U.S.A has its hands full at the moment and cant open new fronts especially when Russian and China has started to flex its own muscles in Europe and Pacific. The Arabs are being isolated as ever and the only way they could survive is by beefing up their defense capability and acquiring nuclear weapons to which Pakistan is willing to help. The 1.5 Billion aid is the first installment to start nuclear cooperation with the Royal Family... More to follow.

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saeeds

Mar 20, 2014 06:55pm

Why not , send them and make foreign exchange . The only thing Pakistan produce in abundance is population used them. Sell arms to other countries,but don't make emotional or theological attachment to them. Be a capital Pakistan make as much money.

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Raja Adam Khan

Mar 20, 2014 07:30pm

It's good that we are helping out, it's good that they are helping us out, not just financially but this gives us 2 extra army divisions. If we can improve the economy over next 5 years then we will be a strong nation, haters please stop

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Baloch Faisal

Mar 20, 2014 07:33pm

its not duty of Saudi or Pakistan to help those people who r fighting against brutal ruler Bishar ul Asad, but all muslims should go there, violation of human right is being done over there against sunni peoples

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Asad Masood

Mar 20, 2014 07:42pm

NS will surely do everything possible to safeguard the Arab interests and sponsors of terrorism in Pakistan. He is actively trying to create an anti army group in Pakistan. Hasn't learned from his past.

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Mohsin

Mar 20, 2014 08:06pm

The Saudis and the surrounding Royal Families are in a Panic mode as their strategy to over throw friendly Irani regimes in the Middle East seems to be failing. Iran continues to spread its influence in Afghanistan, Iraq , Syria and Lebanon. Ironically the U.S strategy has just changed in Middle east ; they do not want to open new fronts as China and Russia continue to flex its muscles in Europe and in the Pacific. The only last hope the Arab nations now have is Pakistan. The all of sudden frequent visits from Saudia / Bahrain ---( Qatar and UAE to follow) is to acquire nuclear capability from Pakistan as a means of deterrence from Iran. Fresh intteligence reports suggest that the 1.5 billion aid we received from KSA was to sign a contract to reach an agreement that Pakistan will provide full support to Saudi Arabia in building a nuclear bomb. In return Saudis will help Pakistan broker a peace deal between Taliban and the Army and Pakistan will recieve billions to beef up its economy. The Sharif brothers are infact once again selling this nation

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Mandar Joshi

Mar 20, 2014 08:19pm

Did you read this story as a child... Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni By Moazzam Javed... always remember what all these jihadists you sent all across in 90s doing to you...

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Sultan Ahmed

Mar 20, 2014 08:26pm

We have already war like situation in the tribal areas.Insurgency has become : chaos for us.In such circumstances rumores are being g3enerated by some concerned quarters only for destablisation the country politically.We shouldn't pay any heed to fabricated and self made news

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Syed Ahmed

Mar 20, 2014 09:15pm

He is a proven liar. For a change, should we trust his words?

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israr_ahmed

Mar 20, 2014 09:25pm

People voted to Nawaz Sharif, now they should expect all kinds of decisions. When you don't chose the right people, you get to see the wrong decisions. Meddling in anyone's internal affairs is a horrible act. What Pakistan should do , as a leading member of muslim countries, is to bring parties to the table, and mediate for dialogue, between Saudia and Iran, and all such parties.

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Hamid Ali Tabatabai

Mar 20, 2014 09:33pm

I have lived with Saudis for 4 years. I will tell you one thing in their culture, if they give you something they expect something in return and no doubt about it Saudis do expect something in return. This is their culture.

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Aslam Butt

Mar 20, 2014 09:39pm

Right now monarchies in ME and Isreal are on the same side and have same objectives, and are promoting barbarity and mayhem to achieve that.

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Jan

Mar 20, 2014 09:55pm

Mr. Prime Minister, You are on the right track for bringing economic prosperity to Pakistan. Please don't hesitate in making the right decisions. We have suffered a lot. Make sure it goes for the improvement of Pakistani people instead of filling already popping pockets.

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pathanoo

Mar 20, 2014 11:26pm

Since when beggars told their MASTERS what they will or will not do?

Recommend 0

Mar 20, 2014 11:42pm

We can export Taliban (the idiots with mass destruction ideology) back to Saudi and the Gulf states along with some WMDs that were bought with the funds from these evil states. Talibs are the byproduct of Gulf/Saudi nexus; follow the money that funds these idiots. What a coincidence no more suicide bombers, Gulf/Saudi high profile visits, Nawaz S and PML leadership feeling so victorious. They have solved all problems WOW!!!

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Mar 20, 2014 11:47pm

No troops, export Mullahs, Taliban and all jihadi outfits. They fit right in these Bedouin states. Let them get a taste of suicide bombing. Let them feel, how we in "Land of Pure" feel when we lose loved ones.

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El Cid

Mar 21, 2014 12:55am

*Pakistan not sending troops to Bahrain or Saudi: PM* Obviously not. They are too busy killing Muslims in Swat and FATA.

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Shahid

Mar 21, 2014 01:34am

I am astonished that all the comment writers are more concerned about 1,5 billion USD than to remember MM ALAM, one of this biggest war heroes of Pakistan. Pakistan airforce needs to do more to celebrate this great piolet and name some bigger institution to his great name. MM Alam we are grateful to Allah that he gave this nation a great and brave son like you.

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nabil

Mar 21, 2014 01:48am

Saudi's have had 7 years brotherly relationship with Sharif's while in excile, but we know him from days as businessman and politician and crooked one,he looted the people then he plundered Pakistan too.

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nabil

Mar 21, 2014 01:52am

Sorry to say, you his face is so easy to read when he's doing utmost best to hide the TRUTH.

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independentthinker

Mar 21, 2014 03:03am

Shouldn't Pakistan first get it's own house in order - before worrying about others? Our military needs to stop the enemies within from killing our citizens, before fighting for a foreign country.

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Abdul Manan

Mar 21, 2014 03:16am

Good job by Premier, one should be know that our relation with Arab countries boost up our Agriculture,live stock,textile and value added services by these all heads of commodities.Please give up politics for some years in economical issues.

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imran bhatt

Mar 21, 2014 03:56am

But troops themselves want to go, they are free to do so.

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Shahpur

Mar 21, 2014 04:36am

@Ace: $1.5 Billion Dollars is very CHEAP. Saudis and Behrainis are in panic and desperate. They have declared the Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization. Which helped and build the House of Saud. They have come to Pakistan now, in their time of Panic and Desperation, to their "Man in Pakistan".

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shida4202000@yahoo.com

Mar 21, 2014 04:56am

I am not pml supporter but we need foreign exchange and prme minister is doing the right thing

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ssf

Mar 21, 2014 05:22am

@saeeds: I am just curious, what kind of arms do we produce that we are able to export, my understandig was that most of the arms for modern warfare, we import. Or do we reexport?

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Whistle

Mar 21, 2014 06:20am

@ssf: Toy Guns!!

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K.A.Muhammad

Mar 21, 2014 07:03am

Why beat around the bushes, just come out with a clear cut policy statement on Syria in the National Assembly. Let the people know whether or not Government of Pakistan is going to interfere directly or indirectly in any form or manner in the internal affairs of Syria. Remember, you might think of fooling Pakistanis but you cannot fool the world having its own intelligence network. So do not betray the trust and confidence of people who trusted you with theirs votes in last general election.

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Muhammed Ali

Mar 21, 2014 06:00pm

How do tell when a politician is telling a lie?? He opens his mouth

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Asad Hyder, Ph.D

Mar 22, 2014 03:55am

@Isa: Why do you not go to help them?

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Asad Hyder, Ph.D

Mar 22, 2014 03:56am

@sultan ahmed: Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish

Recommend 0

Mar 22, 2014 11:03am

When Pakistani Government denies something in official looking statements, one can bet that it plans to do exactly the opposite of that. In this case history tells us that it will not mind doing whatever is being asked of it in return of the money it got. Let

Recommend 0

Mar 22, 2014 11:11am

@Isa: Pakistan should help these governments only in just causes. Don't see a just cause when minority rule is protected by force and governments/kings are strengthened when they are promoting division by promoting one and prosecuting all other sects and religions.

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Jan Ryan

Mar 22, 2014 02:46pm

Over 700 pages of applications for police jobs in Bahrain on the Bahraini Embassy in Islamabad site.

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Mar 22, 2014 07:26pm

@Jan Ryan: Doesn't mean much. People do whatever they can to earn some money especially when opportunities are not available in their country.

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