Doha, Qatar – Pakistan and Qatar convened discussions Tuesday focusing on regional stability, particularly concerning escalating tensions in Iran and the evolving security landscape in Afghanistan, with both nations emphasizing the necessity for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
The dialogue occurred during a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders “emphasised the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.”
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Qatar across multiple sectors. Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding ties between their armed forces, with Prime Minister Sharif expressing satisfaction with existing collaboration and a desire for further strengthening of defence cooperation. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledged the professionalism of the Pakistani armed forces and indicated Qatar’s interest in deepening its defence partnership with Pakistan.
Alongside discussions on security, Prime Minister Sharif also met with Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce. The focus shifted to economic cooperation, with Sharif stressing the importance of increasing bilateral trade volumes and diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Qatar, specifically in agricultural products, food items, and value-added goods. Both sides reviewed existing trade and economic ties, noting positive momentum in the relationship.
The leaders also discussed the implementation of decisions reached during the 6th Session of the Pakistan–Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly reforms and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in attracting foreign investment. Dr. Al-Sayed expressed Qatar’s interest in expanding economic cooperation and strengthening business linkages between the two countries. A meeting of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce is scheduled to be held within the month of Ramazan to discuss concrete investment proposals.
A delegation from the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, also met with Prime Minister Sharif. The Prime Minister praised the QBA’s role in strengthening economic and commercial ties and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to private-sector engagement. He invited QBA members to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology, and export-oriented manufacturing within Pakistan.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani expressed interest in enhancing business-to-business cooperation and exploring investment opportunities. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement, including through the upcoming visit of the investment taskforce to Doha and the hosting of business forums, to translate discussions into concrete economic partnerships. They also agreed to facilitate connections between businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries.
According to a prior statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to discuss the full spectrum of relations, including political engagement, economic collaboration, energy partnership, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders are expected to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development, and manpower export.
Prime Minister Sharif arrived at Hamad International Airport Monday evening and was received by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamer, and other senior officials. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi.
The Express Tribune reported that Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, has been engaged in quiet diplomacy to dissuade the United States from launching strikes against Iran amid rising regional hostilities. Arab News reported that Prime Minister Sharif has expressed concern over Iran’s recent missile attack on a US military base in Qatar and called for efforts to restore peace.
