ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that Qatar would invest $3 billion in diverse sectors of Pakistan, including trade, investment, culture and others following the successful visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Qatar had earlier pledged to invest $3 billion in Pakistan,” said Tarar while addressing a press conference here. The announcement came after PM Shehbaz returned to the country after concluding his two-day official visit to Doha.
During the presser, the minister referred PM Shehbaz’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Minister for Investment Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Faleh. Saudi Arabia has increased investment from $2.2 to $2.8 billion after the signing of 34 memorandums of understanding (MoUs), he said, adding that additional investment of $600 million will make a positive impact on the national economy.
There was also a significant progress seen in terms of bilateral ties between Pakistan and Qatar during the premier’s visit where he was given a cordial and warm welcome by the top leaders in Doha, he said.
“PM Shehbaz met Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and business delegations there. They agreed on enhancing cooperation in multiple sectors, including investment, trade, culture and others.” During his visit, Premier Shehbaz also met a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) where he highlighted numerous opportunities in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure and finance sectors, presenting the country as an attractive investment destination.
The QBA delegation, led by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani, comprised leading Qatari business figures, each representing influential sectors within Qatar’s economy.
Tarar added that the Qatari leadership had honoured the premier by hosting a Pakistan-specific art and architecture exhibition — referring to the “Manzar” exhibition in Doha, jointly inaugurated by PM Shehbaz and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the National Museum of Qatar and organised by the Art Mill Museum. The exhibition offers a rich exploration of Pakistan’s evolving artistic journey from the 1940s to today and reflects the deep cultural ties between both countries.
Tarar said the moves showed Qatari leadership’s goodwill gesture towards Pakistan. The minister termed the development an outcome of effective foreign policy and a milestone in Premier Shehbaz’s economic agenda.
Tarar said that foreign investment would assist the government in economic stability, which is gradually improving with inflation dropping to 6.9 per cent, record remittances, interest rate decline and uptrend in investments.
Separately, according to a press release, received here from Doha on Friday, PM Shehbaz Sharif invited the Qatari businessmen for investment in key sectors of Pakistan’s economy. He extended an invitation during a meeting with a delegation of Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) which called on him in Doha. Leadership of Pakistan and Qatar agreed to deepen cooperation, explore new horizons to strengthen bilateral ties underscoring the importance of high-level exchanges to enhance mutual understanding.
Each of the delegates expressed interest in Pakistan’s economic landscape and particularly in upcoming projects in energy, technology and infrastructure development. During the meeting, both sides explored potential collaborations that could drive job creation, innovation and sustainable development in both countries. Members of the QBA responded positively to the prime minister’s invitation indicating their interest in expanding their investments into Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Importance of bilateral cooperation to bolster economic stability and growth within the region was underscored in the meeting.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif Friday arrived here back after concluding his two-day official visit to Qatar. At Doha International Airport, Minister of State for Reconciliation Muhammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi saw off the prime minister. The ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar and senior diplomatic officials were also present.
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