Doha, 22 August 2022
Report by Ashraf Siddiqui
Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif is arriving in Doha today, Tuesday on two day official visit. Talking to www.asiantelegraphqatar.com, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, ambassador of Islamic Republic of Pakistan called this visit as ‘Curtain Raiser ‘Visit’ to the State of Qatar.
He said Pakistani Prime Minister is visiting on the invitation of Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This would be the Prime Minister’s first visit to the State of Qatar since assuming office in April 2022.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level large delegation, including ministers of Finance & Revenue, Economic Affairs & Political Affairs’ Petroleum, Commerce, Information & Broadcasting’ Privatization, Maritime Affairs; Energy, Railways & Aviation, National Food Security & Research, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Advisors.
It is learned that among delegation members also include former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Federal Minister Mian Javed Latif.
Pakistani envoy said that during the visit, the Prime Minister will hold in-depth consultations with the Qatari leadership. The two sides will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on advancing energy-related cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and exploring greater employment opportunities for Pakistanis in Qatar.
They will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
He said during his two day busy schedule, Prime Minister of Pakistan and his accompanying delegation will also engage with leading Qatari and Pakistani business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister will also visit Stadium ‘974’ in Doha, where he would be briefed on the extensive preparations undertaken by the Government of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, 88 days to go.
He said that Pakistan and Qatar enjoy close and cordial fraternal ties, rooted deep in shared faith, mutual trust and understanding, and close cooperation. The relationship is marked by growing collaboration in all fields of bilateral interest as well as close coordination on regional and international issues.
He said that Qatar is home to more than 200,000 Pakistanis, who are contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries.
Bilateral trade between both the brotherly countries is around US$ 1.2 billion including Pakistani exports to Qatar $ 160m as per end of December 2021 figures. Remittance to Pakistan from Qatar were US$ 311m (2021).
Regular leadership-level exchanges are a hallmark of the Pakistan-Qatar partnership. The Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar will impart a renewed impetus to deepening cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields and further strengthen their growing economic partnership.
Pakistani expatriate community is one of the oldest community in State of Qatar almost since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, and have been serving in almost every area of Qatari society. The long years of uncertain political situation back in Pakistan has been a major hurdle in realizing these existing deep brotherly relations between the people of both the countries.
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif earlier held position of Leader Of The Opposition, Pakistan National Assembly (Lower House Of the Parliament) From 2018-2022 and as Chief Minister of Punjab (2008-13).
In first ever successful ‘No-Confidence Motion’ in the history of Pakistan National Assembly against then Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi, former Cricketer turned politician, the National Assembly of Pakistan elected Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as the Prime Minister.
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been enjoying wide respect due to his strong governance and historical development in the Punjab Province during his tenure. Punjab Province of Pakistan is the most populous province, containing over 62 % population of the country of 230 million (based on Worldometer, UN Data).
His elder brother, Mohammad Nawaz Sharif has been three times Prime Minister of the country.
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