DOHA: Pakistan and Qatar on Tuesday discussed recent developments in the region, particularly the situations in Iran and Afghanistan, stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent potential conflicts.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, on the sidelines of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Doha.
According to an official press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Doha : Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar H.E. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/BlBx2zjLiW
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 24, 2026
“Regional developments were also discussed, in particular the situation in Iran and Afghanistan.
Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region,” the statement read.
Defence ties under review
The meeting also served as a platform to review bilateral cooperation in defence and security, reaffirming the strong and historic ties between the two nations.
The statement noted that the discussions reflected the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to further elevate their strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of Pakistan and Qatar.
He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation and expanding collaboration in this critical sector.
In response, the Qatari official lauded the professionalism and expertise of the Pakistan Armed Forces and conveyed Qatar’s keen interest in deepening the defence partnership between the two countries.
The meeting underscored the mutual desire of both nations to work collectively towards regional stability while enhancing bilateral defence ties.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed and discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade volume and diversify Pakistan’s exports to Qatar.
The discussion focused on accelerating bilateral trade and operationalising decisions from the 6th Pakistan–Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/8lscTiAgwm
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 24, 2026
Prime Minister briefed the Qatar minister on Pakistan’s investment-friendly policy reforms and highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in streamlining foreign investment and ensuring comprehensive support for international investors.
PM Sharif invites Qatari investors
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also invited Qatari businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology, and export-oriented manufacturing sectors.
The Prime Minister extended the invitation while speaking to a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by its Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, in Doha.
A delegation of Qatar Businessmen Association calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. pic.twitter.com/T26X5EeTH2
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 24, 2026
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha late Monday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
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During his visit, PM Sharif will hold bilateral talks with the Qatari leadership to boost economic cooperation, energy partnerships, trade, investment, infrastructure projects, and manpower exports.
Doha: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is being received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi at King Hammad International Airport, as he arrives in Qatar on two day official visit. pic.twitter.com/mjP4FfwBRy
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 23, 2026
Qatar hosts a significant Pakistani community of over 200,000, contributing to economic and social development in both countries.
Energy and trade remain key pillars of bilateral relations, with Qatar supplying roughly 3.5 million tons of LNG annually to Pakistan under long-term agreements. Bilateral trade stands at about $2 billion, with Pakistan exporting rice and meat, and importing petroleum and chemical products.
