ISLAMABAD, October 2025: Pakistan and Qatar have signed a landmark protocol committing $3 billion in Qatari investment in Pakistan, marking a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation. The agreement was formalized during the Sixth Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation, which concluded on Thursday.
The protocol was signed by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, reaffirming the resolve of both nations to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors.
$3 Billion Investment and Strategic Partnership
The protocol formalizes the Amir of Qatar’s pledge to invest $3 billion in Pakistan through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or other designated investment entities. A key feature of the agreement is the establishment of a direct partnership between QIA and Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to streamline investment procedures and enhance the business environment for Qatari investors.
Expanding Cooperation Across Key Sectors
The two countries agreed to boost cooperation in transport, health, education, culture, and digital innovation, while strengthening economic integration.
- Transport: Both sides will explore joint ventures in public transport systems — including rail, metro, and bus networks — with an emphasis on green mobility solutions such as electric, hydrogen, and autonomous vehicles. Qatar was invited to invest in major infrastructure projects, including the Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and the Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway, through public-private partnerships.
- Education & Skills Development: The two nations discussed the Second Executive Programme (2025–2028) to expand collaboration in education, higher learning, and research. A draft MoU on Technical and Vocational Education and Training between Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Pakistan’s NAVTTC was also reviewed to enhance workforce skills.
- Health: Both sides agreed to activate the existing MoU on health cooperation through a joint working committee, facilitating the exchange of medical expertise and encouraging Pakistani healthcare professionals to join Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. Discussions also focused on mutual recognition of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
- Culture and Media: Pakistan and Qatar will launch a ‘Year of Culture’ programme, featuring joint initiatives in film, museums, and heritage. Media cooperation was further strengthened through new agreements between the Qatar News Agency and the Associated Press of Pakistan, as well as between Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Qatar Radio.
- Technology & Innovation: Both nations agreed to collaborate in digital economy, smart cities, and e-governance. Partnerships between Qatar Science and Technology Park and Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) will be pursued to support startups and innovation ecosystems.
- Labour & Workforce Development: The protocol also highlights the deployment of skilled Pakistani workers to Qatar and the finalization of a new MoU on labour cooperation, enhancing workforce mobility and sharing best practices in employment management.
Reaffirming Bilateral Commitment
In their closing remarks, Ministers Jam Kamal Khan and Sheikh Faisal Al Thani reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment, and economic partnerships, noting that the agreement represents a significant step toward transforming Pakistan-Qatar relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on mutual growth and prosperity.
Story by Mubarak Zeb Khan
