Pakistan and Qatar have concluded the Sixth Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), signing a wide-ranging protocol to enhance cooperation and confirm a $3 billion investment commitment from Doha through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or other related entities.
The document was signed on Thursday by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani.
The agreement formalises the Qatari Amir’s earlier pledge to invest in Pakistan, with both sides agreeing that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) will act as the central body to coordinate investment projects and facilitate Qatari investors.
The two sides agreed to deepen collaboration in transport infrastructure, focusing on environmentally friendly solutions such as electric and hydrogen-based public transport. Pakistan also invited Qatar to participate in projects like the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway under public-private partnerships or direct financing.
An MoU on land transport and port cooperation is also under discussion, while both governments decided to continue consultations in civil aviation, with bilateral meetings between aeronautical authorities scheduled for early 2026.
In education, both countries reviewed the draft Second Executive Programme for 2025–2028, aimed at increasing collaboration in higher education, research and technical training. A draft MoU between Qatar’s education ministry and Pakistan’s National Vocational and Technical Training Commission was also discussed to enhance skill development initiatives.
Health sector cooperation includes activating a joint working committee under an existing MoU to implement programmes between Qatar’s Hamad Medical Corporation and Pakistani institutions. The two countries will explore mutual recognition of medical devices and pharmaceuticals to improve access to each other’s markets.
Cultural cooperation will include a “Year of Culture” programme, featuring joint projects in film, heritage and museums. Visa and exchange procedures for cultural and academic visits will be simplified to promote people-to-people links.
The Qatar News Agency and the Associated Press of Pakistan signed an agreement to enhance media collaboration through news sharing and training. Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation and Qatar Radio will also expand their cultural exchange programmes.
In technology, the two countries will collaborate in areas such as e-government, digital economy, smart cities and innovation. The Qatar Science and Technology Park and Pakistan’s Special Technology Zones Authority will support startups and research partnerships.
To strengthen workforce ties, both sides agreed to finalise a new MoU on labour cooperation to replace the 1987 agreement. It will facilitate skilled Pakistani workers’ recruitment in Qatar and promote best practices in employment management.
In closing remarks, both commerce ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral trade, investment and cooperation across sectors, with a focus on sustainable growth and joint ventures.
