Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Wednesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His arrival was met with a warm welcome at Hamad International Airport by Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, alongside Pakistan’s ambassador and other diplomatic staff, as reported by the PM Office Media Wing.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were key federal ministers, including Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Mohammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, and Attaullah Tarar. This delegation underscores the significance of the visit, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar.
During his stay in Doha, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to hold pivotal bilateral meetings with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. These discussions are expected to cover a wide array of topics, focusing particularly on trade and investment opportunities, reflecting both nations’ commitment to expanding their economic ties.
A highlight of the visit is the inauguration of the cultural exhibition “Manzar: Art and Architecture in Pakistan from 1940 to Present.” Scheduled for Thursday, the exhibition aims to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, while also emphasizing the deep people-to-people connections that exist between Pakistan and Qatar.
In a message shared on social media platform X (Twitter), PM Shehbaz expressed his enthusiasm upon arriving in Doha, stating, “I look forward to a productive exchange of views with the Qatari leadership to further enhance our brotherly relations.” This sentiment captures the essence of the visit—building on existing partnerships while exploring new avenues for collaboration.
The backdrop of this visit follows PM Shehbaz’s recent participation in the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, where he highlighted the crucial role of investment in driving sustainable growth. He emphasized the need for ongoing projects and collaborations, stating, “When I come back, I will have good news for the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.” This optimism is further bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s recent announcement of an additional $600 million investment in Pakistan, raising the total investment commitment to $2.8 billion.
A key aspect of Shehbaz’s discussions in Qatar is the exploration of cooperation in trade and investment. The leadership-level delegations from the Qatar Investment Authority and the Qatar Businessmen Association are scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister, reflecting a shared interest in discovering and leveraging investment opportunities in Pakistan’s diverse economic sectors.
In a significant meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, PM Shehbaz Sharif discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral relations further. The two leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in various domains, including trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange. PM Shehbaz acknowledged Qatar’s substantial contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth and expressed gratitude for its continued support across multiple sectors.
The leaders also delved into global and regional issues, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation to address contemporary challenges. PM Shehbaz commended Qatar’s principled stance on the Gaza conflict, praising its humanitarian initiatives and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. This acknowledgment highlights Qatar’s role as a facilitator of dialogue and a champion for regional peace.
In turn, the Qatari Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s strategic importance and expressed eagerness to bolster ties in line with Qatar’s vision for economic growth and stability. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of maintaining high-level exchanges to foster understanding and cooperation.
The Prime Minister also extended a warm invitation to Qatari investors, urging them to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and tourism. He reiterated the Pakistani government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for foreign investors, including potential incentives to facilitate their entry into the market.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar symbolizes a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar. As both nations work to strengthen their ties, this visit lays the groundwork for fruitful collaborations that promise mutual benefits for their peoples.
