Pakistan and Qatar have formalised a broad economic partnership, signing a protocol that confirms Doha’s $3 billion investment pledge and expands cooperation under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The agreement was finalised during the sixth session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation in Islamabad.
Investment Commitment through SIFC Framework
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani signed the protocol. It reaffirms the Qatari Amir’s earlier commitment to invest in Pakistan through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or other designated channels.
Both governments agreed that the SIFC will serve as the main platform to coordinate and streamline Qatari investments across priority sectors.
PM Shehbaz Invites Qatari Investors
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his meeting with the Qatari minister, invited Doha’s investors to explore opportunities in energy, agriculture, IT, tourism, food security, and infrastructure under the SIFC framework. He appreciated Qatar’s regional support and its role as a trusted mediator in recent Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations.
Transport and Infrastructure Cooperation
The protocol also boosts collaboration in transport and infrastructure. Qatar showed interest in major projects such as the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway. Both sides also agreed to promote green and sustainable transport solutions, including electric, autonomous, and hydrogen-fuelled systems.
Partnership in Education, Health, and Labour
Education, health, and labour cooperation featured prominently in the discussions.A draft programme for 2025–2028 was reviewed to strengthen higher education, vocational training, and research ties.
Health collaboration will include joint initiatives between Pakistani institutions and Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation. Both countries also agreed to finalise a new labour cooperation MoU to facilitate the deployment of skilled Pakistani workers in Qatar.
Cultural and Media Collaboration
Cultural and media cooperation will deepen through a planned “Year of Culture” initiative. The Qatar News Agency and the Associated Press of Pakistan signed a news-sharing partnership to promote media collaboration.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Qatar Radio will expand their cultural exchange programmes.
Boosting IT, Startups, and Innovation
In the IT and innovation sectors, the two countries plan to enhance cooperation in e-governance, smart cities, and digital transformation. The Qatar Science and Technology Park and Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority will work together to support startups and research-driven innovation.
Shared Vision for Economic Growth
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, sustainable investment, and economic growth. The protocol marks a new phase in Pakistan-Qatar strategic relations, laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation across vital sectors.
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