DOHA (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.
The meeting, held during PM Shehbaz’s two-day official visit to Doha, was attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Information, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Both leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional developments including Iran and Afghanistan, and the importance of promoting dialogue and de-escalation. PM Shehbaz commended Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in advancing regional negotiations and reducing tensions, while both sides emphasised peaceful conflict resolution in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
The premier expressed satisfaction with ongoing military cooperation and highlighted the shared resolve to elevate the strategic partnership across defence, security, political, economic, and institutional domains. Qatar’s deputy PM praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and reiterated Qatar’s interest in deepening defence collaboration.
Economic cooperation
Separately, Qatar’s Minister of State on Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed called on PM Shehbaz to review bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The discussion focused on increasing trade volumes, diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Qatar – particularly agricultural and value-added products – and facilitating Qatari investment in Pakistan.
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, 2026Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing decisions from the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission. PM Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly reforms and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in easing foreign investment procedures. Dr Al-Sayed, who chairs the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce, confirmed Qatar’s interest in enhancing private-sector collaboration.
The two leaders agreed to convene a task force meeting during Ramadan to discuss concrete investment proposals, signalling a shared determination to deepen economic, industrial, and strategic cooperation.