The Doha connect

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Pakistan-Qatar relations are promising in essence. Their bilateral trade is on the surge as the latter supplies the lifeline of energy in the form of LNG. Their quest to further climb the ladder of cooperation is highly appreciated, and it is a foregone conclusion that Islamabad relies on Doha’s largesse in times of adversity. The two-day visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as he met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, was meant to further the envelope of a long-lasting understanding in all walks of life. Both the leaders, thus, reiterated their resolve to make new strides in renewable energy, industrial and infrastructure development, as well as in tourism and hospitality.

Qatar is also home to a large number of expatriates who form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Likewise, Qatar sees huge prospects for investment in Pakistan and has earmarked the fields of aviation, agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, maritime and hospitality. For the last many years, their bilateral trade too has seen an upward climb, and Qatar is generous to open up its markets to perishable products from Pakistan. Last but not least, the fact that Doha supplies LNG on deferred payment plans is a blessing in disguise for an energy-and-cash starved country. Pakistan has two long-term LNG supply deals with Qatar with nine cargo shipments per month.

While Qatar is playing host to the FIFA World Cup, Pakistan has a proud cap to wear as its armed forces have been designated with the protocol of providing security. The cabinet has formally approved a draft agreement to deploy troops in this regard on the festive sports occasion. This is a new leaf of cooperation and comes as a tribute to the valour and professionalism of the Pakistan Army. Similarly, growing maritime relations and an upward margin of exports to Doha make it a viable destination for people-to-people cooperation. Doha has been generous in its visa regime, and Pakistan finds it a second home in the Middle East similar to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2022.

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