Qatar is poised to invest $3 billion in Pakistan’s energy, minerals, and IT sectors, as announced by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to the Gulf nation aimed at attracting investors.
“This investment is expected to significantly boost Pakistan’s economic growth,” Tarar stated during a press conference in Islamabad. He accompanied the Prime Minister on the two-day trip.
While a joint statement from the visit did not mention the investment, Tarar emphasized the fruitful discussions that took place, including a productive meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, where the Premier encouraged Qatari investors to explore various sectors in Pakistan.
During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif also met with Qatar’s emir and visited the ‘Manzar’ art gallery, showcasing works by Pakistani artists. He held discussions with the Qatar Business Association to strengthen economic ties and identify new collaborative opportunities.
Tarar indicated that a Qatari delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon to facilitate this investment. He highlighted that the country’s economy is on an upward trajectory, noting inflation at 6.9%, a fiscal surplus for the first time in 24 years, and record remittances.
He also mentioned a decrease in interest rates, asserting that Pakistan’s international standing is improving and that friendly nations are actively investing.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with the Qatari emir focused on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in investment and trade, and discussed previous investment pledges. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani underscored the importance of strengthening economic partnerships between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed on the necessity of continued high-level visits to deepen cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
