Pakistan, Qatar Expand Strategic Partnership During PM Sharif’s Visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its defense and economic ties with Qatar, as he wrapped up his official two-day visit to Doha. Both leaders expressed their dedication to strengthening the bilateral partnership across various domains including defense, security, politics, economics, and institutional frameworks.

Sharif met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, during his recent visit. The meeting took place alongside Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Federal Minister for Information, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The discussion centered on bilateral relations and regional developments such as Iran and Afghanistan. Both leaders highlighted Qatar’s role in fostering dialogue to de-escalate tensions and adhering to international norms like the UN Charter and global laws.

Sheikh Saoud commended Pakistan for its robust military cooperation, emphasizing their shared goal of advancing a strategic partnership across all sectors. The Pakistani Prime Minister praised Qatar for its diplomatic efforts in regional negotiations and conflict resolution.

In an unrelated but equally significant development, Deputy Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed of Qatar urged Sharif to review bilateral trade and economic relations. They discussed increasing Qatari investments in Pakistan’s agricultural and value-added products sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing decisions from the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission.

The meeting also highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly reforms, particularly with regards to easing foreign investment procedures through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Al-Sayed, who chairs the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce, confirmed Qatar’s interest in deepening private-sector collaboration.

Notably, both leaders agreed to convene a task force meeting during Ramadan to explore and implement concrete investment proposals. This move underscores their shared resolve to intensify economic cooperation, industrial growth, and strategic partnerships between Pakistan and Qatar.