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Pakistan-Jordan Ties: A Forward-Looking

Trajectory

By
Sarah Akram
Research Fellow
Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA), ISSI
Email Address [email protected]

Edited by
Amina Khan

July 11, 2025

(Views expressed in the brief are those of the author, and do

not represent those of ISSI)

Established in 1948, the Pakistan-Jordan bilateral relationship is marked by deep

historical ties, common faith, and shared perspectives on issues related to peace
and security in the region. Since its inception, the relationship has grown steadily,
characterized by close diplomatic engagement. Recent exchanges at the
governmental and parliamentary levels serve to reaffirm the resolve of both sides
to further consolidate bilateral ties, expand cooperation in various sectors, and
inject greater dynamism into mutual collaboration. A key milestone in this process
recently was the convening of the Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations
(BPC) held in Amman on April 11, 2025.1 This institutional mechanism, provided the
opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange views
on regional and international developments of common interest. The BPC
discussions illustrated a shared commitment to strengthening political, economic,
and cultural ties, and underlined the importance of coordinated efforts in
multilateral forums, particularly on longstanding issues such as Palestine and the
situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The BPC session underscored the importance that
Islamabad and Amman attach to regular dialogue as a means of deepening
understanding and promoting cooperation in a changing global environment.
1
Second Round of Pakistan-Jordan Bilateral Political Consultations, https://mofa.gov.pk/press-
releases/curtain-raiser-second-round-of-pakistan-jordan-bilateral-political-consultations

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 IB Pakistan-Jordan Ties: A Forward-Looking Trajectory Collaboration July 11, 2025

The Bilateral Political Consultations were held between Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch
and Ambassador Majed T. ALQATARNEH, the Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan. Both sides reiterated the desire to further
fortify bilateral relations and increase focus on economic and trade cooperation as well as people-
to-people exchanges. During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch lauded Jordan's efforts to
ensure peace, security and stability across the Middle East and Amman’s determination to counter
terrorism. Jordan's role in hosting refugees from Palestine, Syria and other neighboring countries
was also appreciated. The tragic situation in Gaza was discussed and Pakistan’s stance for a just and
durable solution to the Palestinian issue was reiterated.2

In parallel with these diplomatic engagements, parliamentary exchanges have also witnessed
noteworthy progress. In February 2025, Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
met with the Jordanian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Maen Khreasat. Both sides highlighted the need
to further enhance inter-parliamentary linkages, emphasized the role of legislative bodies in
deepening people-to-people contacts, and called for fostering greater cooperation across a wide
range of sectors. In this regard, the Pakistan–Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) also held
an important briefing session earlier this year and featured presentations from the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs and Commerce. Discussions centered on identifying new pathways to increase trade,
attract investment, and bolster economic growth between the two countries. The meeting also
addressed several obstacles to deeper cooperation, including trade imbalances and limited people-
to-people exchanges. Strengthening parliamentary ties between the two countries was highlighted
as a key area for mutual benefit. The meeting served as a platform to discuss strategies for
enhancing diplomatic, trade, and investment relations, while also addressing challenges impeding
further cooperation.

While the relationship in the political and diplomatic domain remains warm and cordial, the two
sides are conscious that the trade and economic ties are far below the real potential. According to
figures, the total volume of bilateral trade in 2022 stood at approximately $92.3 million, with
Pakistan’s exports amounting to $60.7 million, and Jordan’s exports totaling $31.6 million. Pakistan
primarily exports rice, textiles, and leather products to Jordan, whereas Jordan’s key exports to
Pakistan include phosphates, fertilizers, and other chemical products. In the year 2023, however,
Jordan exported goods worth $11.2 million to Pakistan. Jordan’s main exports were Potassic
Fertilizers ($4.47 million), other Inorganic Acids ($1.23 million), and Cars ($996k). Over the past 5

2
Pakistan, Jordan call for stronger trade & people-to-people ties, Radio Pakistan, April 11, 2025
https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-04-2025/pakistan-jordan-call-for-stronger-trade-people-to-people-ties

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 IB Pakistan-Jordan Ties: A Forward-Looking Trajectory Collaboration July 11, 2025

years, exports from Jordan to Pakistan have decreased at a rate of 15.3% annually, coming down
from $25.6 million in 2018 to $11.2 million in 2023.3

Recent bilateral discussions have highlighted a shared desire to enhance trade and investment
cooperation, with an emphasis on strengthening private sector linkages, facilitating business-to-
business interactions, and diversifying the portfolio of traded goods. Jordan’s strategic location,
serving as a gateway to the broader Middle Eastern markets, and Pakistan’s expanding economy and
access to South and Central Asia, present balancing opportunities that both countries can leverage.
Key sectors identified for future collaboration include Information Technology, agriculture,
pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and education services.

Defence and security cooperation form another important pillar of the Pakistan-Jordan relationship.
Historically, the armed forces of both countries have maintained close professional ties,
characterized by training exchanges and institutional cooperation. Jordanian military officers
regularly attend courses in Pakistan’s prestigious military academies, and defence cooperation is
often cited as one of the most durable aspects of bilateral relations. Recently, the Chief of the Naval
Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf had an audience with His Majesty the King of Jordan and discussed
defence cooperation.4 These ties are further strengthened by common concerns over regional
security threats, terrorism, and the need for a cooperative international response to emerging
security challenges.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, Pakistan and Jordan have steadfastly supported each other on
multilateral platforms. Both countries are active members of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) and regularly coordinate on issues such as countering Islamophobia, peace and
security in the Middle East, and humanitarian crises. Similarly, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister
Ishaq Dar also visited Jordan and attended a conference on the ongoing war in Gaza in June 2024. 5
The conference was jointly organized by His Majesty Jordanian King Abdullah II, Egyptian President
Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the urgent humanitarian
responses for Gaza. The moot aimed to identify and develop a collective response to the dire
humanitarian situation in Gaza created by Israel’s unrelenting military onslaught. Engagements such
as these reflect Pakistan and Jordan’s common concerns pertaining to matters of urgent importance.
It is clear that there is vast potential for the Pakistan and Jordan bilateral relationship to grow

3
The Observatory of Economic Complexity, https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-country/pak/partner/jor
4
King receives Pakistan naval chief, The Jordan Times, April 22, 2025,
https://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-receives-pakistan-naval-chief
5
Ishaq Dar in Amman to attend high-level conference on Gaza, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
June 11, 2024 https://www.moib.gov.pk/News/62311

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 IB Pakistan-Jordan Ties: A Forward-Looking Trajectory Collaboration July 11, 2025

further in terms of economic collaboration, defence ties and, above all, people-to-people exchanges.
The untapped potential of the relationship has to be optimally realized to deepen and broaden
mutually beneficial collaboration as early as possible. Both sides recognize that a proactive approach
and enhanced engagement can help take the relationship to newer heights and are pursuing this
path with commitment and dedicated efforts.

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