Islamabad, In a pivotal diplomatic engagement, Jawad Sohrab Malik, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (SAPM OP and HRD), met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Interior Affairs, H.E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al Thani. This meeting signified a crucial step towards strengthening bilateral relations and advancing mutual economic and security interests between Pakistan and Qatar.

According to Ministry of Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development, the SAPM lauded Qatar’s exceptional organization of the FIFA World Cup 2022, highlighting it as a model for global sporting events. He emphasized the integral role played by the Pakistani diaspora in the development of Qatar’s infrastructure and expressed a commitment to continue supplying skilled and professional manpower to support Qatar’s economic growth.

A key proposal discussed in the meeting was the establishment of additional Qatar Visa Centers (QVCs) in Pakistan, particularly in Peshawar and Lahore, to facilitate the mobility of Pakistani workers to Qatar. Furthermore, the SAPM applauded Qatar’s humanitarian efforts, especially in relation to the Gaza conflict, and extended an invitation for the Qatari Minister to visit Pakistan.

H.E Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal Al Thani acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community in Qatar, underlining the deep-rooted trade, economic, and defense ties between the two nations. He informed that the proposal for additional QVCs in Pakistan is under consideration, with a feasibility study being conducted to assess the potential expansion.

The meeting encompassed discussions on various mutual interests and the review of cooperation in security fields, exploring ways to support and develop these areas further. The Pakistani SAPM was joined by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar and Community Welfare Attaches, signifying the high importance of this bilateral meeting.

This significant interaction between Pakistan and Qatar’s leaders underscores the countries’ commitment to fostering a robust partnership, enhancing economic collaboration, and bolstering security cooperation.