Oman is Pakistan’s one of the most trusted, reliable, sincere friends. This friendship is historical, time tested, all weathered. It is deeper than oceans and greater than Himalaya. It is interested to note that about 30% of Omanis are Balouch origin from Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, having settled in Oman over hundred years ago. Gwadar was formerly part of Oman but was given to Pakistan on 8 September, 1958. There are about 85,000 Pakistani immigrants’ residents in Oman. Pakistan is also highly thankful to Oman for its cooperation regarding extension of Pakistan’s territorial water from 240,000 sq. km to and addition of 50,000 sq. km. Oman is the only country that shares a direct maritime boundary with Pakistan, through the Arabian Sea, without having a land connection. Arabian sea plays an important role in determining the geo-strategic importance of Pakistan. It directly links Pakistan with Oman. Geographically, Oman is the closest country to Pakistan among six nations of Arabian Peninsula. The two countries formally established formal diplomatic relations in 1972, and these have grown since strength to strength. Military and Security cooperation has been an important sphere of exchanges. Ties in the arena go beyond the military procurement items or joint exercises. The Southern Regiment of Omani recruits from Pakistani Balouch community.
The two countries also laid the foundation for closer cooperation in economic, trade and commercial affairs during these years. Pakistan encouraged investors from Oman through interaction between the private sectors of the two countries. Visits of high-level delegation to interact with each opportunity remained an important feature of relations between both countries. The two-government signed Air Service Agreement in 1976, Promotion of Protection and Investment Agreement 1997, Cultural and education agreement 1984, Economic, Technical and Commercial Cooperation Agreement 1986. The visit of Sultan Qaboos to Pakistan in April ,2001 was a mile stone and key catalyst of mutual confidence and strong, deep rooted relations. From Pakistan President Pervaiz Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, and Yusaf Raza Gilani visited Oman in 2002, 2005 and 2010 respectively. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s adviser on foreign affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz visited Oman in September,2016. On October 20, 2020, Pakistan and Oman signed MoU on Military cooperation. On behalf of government of Oman, H.E Mr. Muhammad bin Nasser Al Rasby, secretary general, Ministry of Defence of Oman signed the agreement whereas H.E Mr. K.K Ahsan Wagan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the sultanate of Oman signed the said MoU. It aimed at enhancing defence cooperation through the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of military cooperation for mutual benefits. There is much need in the collaboration in the fields of chemicals, plastics, plastics equipment at the economic zones of Oman. Gwadar port and Salalah ports can be used to create efficient communication channels between the two countries because both ports posses excellent infrastructure and other facilities. There is also a need to cooperate between Pakistani exporters and Al Bashyar Meat Company of Oman. There is massive potential for both the countries in the fields of agriculture, textile and Halal Products. Frequent interactions, exchange of trade delegations and trade exhibitions were a must to deepen relations. Pakistani diaspora in Oman making valuable contribution to the development of Oman. There is a need for enhancing employment opportunities for the Pakistani workers in banking, health care, education, Petroleum and food sectors of the Gulf nations.
Oman promotes peace, tolerance and co-existence. Non-Muslim migrants have been permitted to construct Hindu temples, Churches to cater to their religious practices. Oman remain neutral during Yemen conflict. It offered instead to play role of regional mediator, taking advantage of the relations it had with Saudi Arabia and Iran. It had played a significant role in Saudi Arabia and Iran patch up which is a great service for the unity and integrity of Muslim ummah for which the whole ummah is thankful to Oman and its leadership. In this way this move has paved the way for durable peace in the region. In order to meet the education, need of Pakistani diaspora, seven schools had been set up where not only Pakistanis but also other communities’ students are also getting quality education. Oman is also a lucrative source of remittances for Pakistan.
Pakistan is also well connected with Oman by Air, Pakistan Air Lines, Shahen Air Lines and Air Blue operates 26 flights per week between Muscat and Pakistan. Pakistan and GCC of which Oman is an important part are in process of negotiating of Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Pakistan also invites Omani businessmen to invest in Pakistan and take the advantage of CPEC and Pakistan’s business friendly policies.
Economy of Oman
Indicators
GDP ( Nominal ) US$ 104 billion (2023)
GDP ( PPP) US$ 314 billion
GDP per Capital US$ 23,416
Population 4.5 million
Trade between Oman and Pakistan
Year Export
Million $ Import million $ Total trade US $ million Balance of trade $ million Total export of Pakistan US$ billion Share in total export Total import of Pakistan Share in Total import
2012 185.9 640.4 826.3 -454.5 24.62 0.8 43.813 1.52
2013 258.1 1073.8 1331.9 -815.7 25.121 1.8 43.775 2.52
2014 221.1 1217.1 1438.2 -995.9 24.722 0.9 47.545 2.6
2015 220.1 436.1 656.2 -226.0 22.689 0.6 43.99 1.0
2016 87.3 331.4 418.7 -244.1 20.435 0.40 47.175 0.7
2017 118.4 656.9 775.3 -538.3 21.92 0.5 57.52 1.1
2018 139.1 788.3 927.5 -649.2 23.78 0.6 60.39 1.3
2019 171.5 608.6 780.1 -437.2 23.82 0.7 50.51 1.2
2020 149.3 615.7 765.0 -466.4 22.25 0.7 45.84 1.3
2021 176.5 451.3 627.8 -274.8 28.88 0.6 75.11 0.6
The Sultanate of Oman is a country located in Western Asia. It is situated on the Southern coast of Arabian Peninsula and Spans of mouth of the Persian Gulf. It shares land border with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen while sharing maritime border with Pakistan and Iran. The Madha and Musandam exclaves are surrounded by the United Arab Emirates on the land borders, with the Strait of Hourmuz which it shares with Iran and the Gulf of Oman farming Musandam’s coastal boundaries.
The future of Pakistan Oman relations are Inshah Allah very bright and both the countries are moving in a right direction and are partners of peace, development and prosperity.