PM Pledges Stronger Pakistan-Qatar Ties on National Day

Shazia Mehboob 

Islamabad: With a message delivered in the Qatari national language, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended heartfelt felicitations to the leadership and people of Qatar on their National Day.

Addressing a ceremony to commemorate the National Day of the State of Qatar, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. He also underscored the deep solidarity and long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan deeply resonates with the vision of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stressing that “the nation rises with you and stands with you.” 

He added that “the real strength of a nation lies in its people,” and praised Qatar’s focus on human development.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Qatar’s remarkable progress under its development framework, Qatar National Vision 2030, noting that the country has moved from successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 to playing a key role in peace mediation in conflict zones.

He called Qatar’s leadership “awe-inspiring” and celebrated the strategic, multifaceted bonds between Pakistan and Qatar that span energy security, trade, investment, and vibrant people-to-people ties.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the large number of Pakistani citizens working in Qatar, acknowledging their dignified contributions to the country’s development.

He further highlighted Qatar’s investments, particularly in renewable energy and other sectors, saying these efforts not only benefit Qatar but also support shared economic interests.

Recalling his two visits to Qatar, first to express solidarity during Israeli aggression and later to attend the Arab-Islamic Summit, PM Shehbaz Sharif praised Qatar’s efforts for peace and stability, stating that Pakistan “deeply respects” Doha’s diplomatic initiatives.

He affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar in pursuit of a “prosperous and interconnected region,” and prayed for the continued success of the State of Qatar on its “glorious journey toward peace, security, and global leadership in development.”

Earlier, in his welcome address at the National Day reception, Ambassador of the State of Qatar Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater said Qatar greatly values its deep-rooted and brotherly ties with Pakistan and remains committed to further expanding cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations.He said Qatar’s National Day commemorates the founding of the modern Qatari state by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, whose leadership laid the foundations of a strong and independent nation.

Ambassador Al-Khater highlighted Qatar’s effective humanitarian role worldwide, supporting communities affected by conflict, disasters, and poverty. He said Qatar continues to play a vital role as a mediator in promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions, reflecting its commitment to lasting peace and stability.

Speaking about bilateral relations, the envoy said ties between Qatar and Pakistan are founded on mutual respect and have expanded significantly in trade, investment, education, culture, and other areas of shared interest.

He added that recent high-level engagements between the leaderships of the two countries have reaffirmed a shared vision of strengthening cooperation and deepening the strategic partnership.

He noted that Qatar remains keen to broaden collaboration with Pakistan in several key sectors and looks forward to working closely to build a future of progress and prosperity, reaffirming Doha’s long-term commitment to strong, mutually beneficial relations.

Later, the prime minister joined Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Ambassador Al-Khater at the ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the day.