Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Qatari leaders, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in Doha on October 31, 2024.
Discussions held at both delegation and individual levels focused on expanding Pakistan-Qatar cooperation across key sectors.
Strengthening economic cooperation and regional stability
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders reviewed Pakistan-Qatar relations, with a focus on bolstering trade, investment, energy, and cultural collaboration.
Sharif and Al Thani emphasized their shared strategic objectives, expressing mutual commitment to regional stability and economic development.
The meetings reaffirmed Qatar’s continued investment in Pakistan’s growth, including a $3 billion pledge by the Qatar Investment Authority, directed toward airport management, renewable energy, and hospitality projects.
The escalating crisis in Gaza and broader Middle East was the central topic of the dialogue, with both leaders voicing deep concerns. Sharif condemned the more-than-a-year-long war against Palestine calling it Israel’s “genocidal” action. He also lauded Qatar’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire.
Cultural diplomacy and economic agreements
Sharif’s visit also included a cultural engagement as he toured the “Manzar: Art and Architecture of Pakistan from the 1940s to Today” exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar. Accompanied by Emir Sheikh Al Thani and Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the prime minister viewed works by prominent Pakistani artists, fostering cultural diplomacy alongside economic discussions.
Earlier, Sharif’s meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani focused on consolidating bilateral economic initiatives.
“Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged Qatar’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth and expressed gratitude for its continued support in various sectors,” according to an official statement from Islamabad.
The discussions built upon recent agreements valued at $2.8 billion, encompassing investments in agriculture, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy—sectors critical to Pakistan’s economic revival and the deepening of ties between the two nations, the statement said.