Qatar will invest $3b in Pakistan after PM’s visit: minister

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Friday that Qatar has pledged a $3 billion investment in Pakistan.

At a news conference in Islamabad, Tarar highlighted the achievements of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where discussions on strengthening economic ties were at the forefront. He noted that Qatar and Pakistan have agreed to broaden cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, culture, and the economy.

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The minister emphasized that Qatar’s pledged $3 billion investment will provide a substantial boost to Pakistan’s economy. He also mentioned that, as part of the prime minister’s visit to Doha, an exhibition on Pakistani art and architecture was held—a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Qatar relationship.

Tarar said that the prime minister expressed his gratitude to Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his ongoing support and cooperation.

Shifting focus to the prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Tarar reported that productive discussions took place with Saudi leadership, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He highlighted an increase in Saudi investments in Pakistan from $2.2 billion to $2.8 billion, marking a $600 million boost that reflects the strengthening ties between the two nations.

During his visit, the prime minister also condemned the continuing Israeli oppression of unarmed Palestinians.

In a separate event on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) delegation, underscoring Pakistan’s potential in energy, infrastructure, and finance as a promising investment destination. The QBA delegation, led by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, included influential Qatari business leaders representing key sectors within Qatar’s economy.

The meeting, part of Sharif’s two-day official visit to Qatar, focused on deepening economic relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Among the QBA members were notable figures such as Saod Bin Omar Bin Hamad Al-Mana (Vice Chairman & CEO of Al Mana Group), Khalid Ahmed Al Mannai (Executive Director of Mannai Corporation), and Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim Al Thani (Chairman of Mansoor Jassim Al Thani Group).

During the discussions, QBA members expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s economic prospects, particularly in upcoming projects in energy, technology, and infrastructure. Both sides explored potential collaborations geared toward job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.

The QBA delegation responded positively to the prime minister’s invitation, expressing intent to expand investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Bilateral cooperation to strengthen regional economic stability and growth was a central theme of the discussions.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Ishaq Dar, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, and Minister for Finance and Revenue Mohammad Aurangzeb.