ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): The Sixth Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) for Economic, Trade, and Technical Cooperation was successfully held in Islamabad on October 22-23, 2025, under the framework of the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the State of Qatar.
The first day, October 22, 2025 featured a Technical Session where delegates from both nations engaged in an in-depth discussion on technical and economic aspects of cooperation across various sectors. On the second day, October 23, 2025 H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and his Qatari counterpart, H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar, signed protocol to formalize commitments made during technical session for enhanced cooperation in various sectors.
During the closing session, H.E. Jam Kamal Khan and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, in their respective speeches, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the strong fraternal ties between the two nations to boost trade, facilitate investments, and promote joint ventures aligned with shared economic goals. In his remarks, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, expressed optimism that the Sixth session of JMC would be a milestone in strengthening trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Qatar. He highlighted the commission’s role in fostering collaboration and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for Qatari investments.
In the realm of trade, economy, and investment, the signed protocol commits both nations to realizing His Highness the Amir of Qatar’s vision of investing USD 3 billion in Pakistan through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or other investment vehicles. A key focus was strengthening direct engagement between Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the QIA to streamline investment processes and create a conducive environment for Qatari investors. The SIFC was highlighted as a pivotal platform to facilitate investments in priority sectors, ensuring seamless coordination and support for Qatari businesses.
In the transport sector, the protocols reflect mutual interest in expanding cooperation in public transport systems, including rail, buses, and metro, while prioritizing the adoption of green technologies such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and hydrogen fuel. Pakistan highlighted significant opportunities for Qatari investment in road development projects, particularly the Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and the Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway, through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements or direct financing. The delegations also expressed interest to further discuss need for and Memorandum of Understanding in the field of land transport/ports between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In civil aviation, the protocol commits both parties to continuing their cooperation and scheduling bilateral Aeronautical Authorities’ consultations during the first quarter of 2026 to further strengthen aviation ties.
Education and health cooperation were central to the discussions and formalized through the signed protocol. The JMC included vast discussions on key an initiatives related to education, one of which is the draft 2nd Executive Programme for 2025–2028 to foster collaboration in education, higher education, and scientific research, alongside a draft MoU on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) between Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission to enhance technical skills development. In the sector of health, the protocol highlights the need for activation of the existing MoU through a joint working committee to implement joint programs, attract Pakistani medical professionals to Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation, and exchange health expertise, success stories, and other initiatives. They also provide for exploring the mutual recognition of pharmaceuticals and medical instruments to facilitate market access.
In culture and media, the protocols establish fast-track systems for pre-vetted firms and cultural institutions, including multi-entry visas and streamlined processes for short-term cultural and academic exchanges. They also commit to developing a rolling ‘Year of Culture’ program focused on collaborations in film, museums, and heritage. In media, agreements were signed to conclude cooperation and news exchange agreements between Qatar News Agency (QNA) and Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), encourage joint productions in documentaries, dramas, and cultural programs, and provide reciprocal technical and training facilities for media teams. Additionally, cultural program exchanges between Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Qatar Radio were prioritized.
In communications and information technology, the protocols underscore the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in e-government, smart cities, digital economy, and digital transformation. Cooperation between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) was also prioritized, alongside organizing workshops to familiarize Pakistani startups with Qatar’s tech regulatory landscape and incentives. In labor, the protocol emphasizes deploying skilled Pakistani workers to meet Qatar’s labor market needs, building on the 1987 agreement on Pakistani worker employment in Qatar, and expediting a new MoU on labor cooperation to share best practices.
Both delegations expressed deep satisfaction with the positive outcomes of the meeting and stressed the importance of continued engagement to ensure the practical implementation of the JMC’s decisions. The Seventh Session of the JMC is scheduled for 2026, with dates and venue to be finalized through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Government of Pakistan, remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering robust economic and technical cooperation with Qatar, paving the way for mutual prosperity and growth.
