Qatar will invest $3 billion in Pakistan through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and other channels under a renewed economic cooperation framework, officials announced on Thursday after the sixth session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
From Pakistan, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan led the two-day session, held in Islamabad on Oct. 22–23, while Qatar was represented by Commerce and Industry Minister Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani. Upon its conclusion, both sides signed a protocol outlining commitments to expand collaboration in trade, investment, energy, transport, and technology.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the JMC’s protocol reaffirms the vision of Qatar’s Amir to channel $3 billion of investment into Pakistan. The move will focus on strengthening coordination between the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the QIA to streamline investment procedures and attract Qatari capital into Pakistan’s priority sectors.
“The sixth session of the JMC will serve as a milestone in strengthening Pakistan-Qatar economic relations,” said Muhammad Humair Karim, secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, expressing optimism about the investment’s potential to spur growth.
Transport, Energy, and Aviation Cooperation
The agreement calls for enhanced cooperation in the transport sector, including public transport systems such as rail, metro, and bus networks. Both sides agreed to explore green transport technologies, including electric, autonomous, and hydrogen vehicles, and discussed potential Qatari participation in major infrastructure projects like the Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway through public-private partnerships or direct financing.
In aviation, both governments agreed to hold bilateral consultations between their aeronautical authorities in early 2026 to further strengthen civil aviation cooperation.
Education, Health, and Cultural Exchange
The JMC protocol also emphasized collaboration in education, health, and culture. Both countries agreed to finalize a draft Executive Program (2025-2028) for higher education and scientific research and a proposed MoU on Technical and Vocational Education and Training to boost skill development.
In health, officials agreed to activate an existing MoU through a joint committee to expand cooperation between Pakistan and the Hamad Medical Corporation, facilitate the exchange of medical expertise, and explore mutual recognition of pharmaceuticals and medical instruments.
Cultural and media cooperation would also be strengthened, including a news exchange agreement between the Qatar News Agency (QNA) and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). Both sides agreed to encourage joint productions and establish a rolling “Year of Culture” program featuring film, heritage, and museum collaborations.
Technology and Labor Collaboration
In the digital sector, the protocol prioritizes collaboration in e-governance, smart cities, and digital transformation. The Qatar Science and Technology Park and Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority will work together to promote innovation and connect startups with investors.
On labor cooperation, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the deployment of skilled Pakistani workers to Qatar and to updating the existing 1987 bilateral labor agreement to meet the Gulf nation’s evolving labor market needs.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the progress of the talks and agreed to hold the Seventh Session of the JMC in 2026, with the date and venue to be determined through diplomatic channels.
“The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering strong economic and technical cooperation with Qatar,” the Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a statement, adding the partnership would “pave the way for mutual prosperity and growth.”