Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar.
Lauding Qatar’s role and contribution in Afghanistan peace process, Ambassador of Pakistan, H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, has said that Doha has emerged as a leading centre of conflict resolution in the world.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula, the Ambassador spoke about wide ranging subjects from the bilateral ties to Qatar’s preparations for FIFA World Cup and country’s ‘excellent and praise worthy’ handling of COVID-19 pandemic.
Since he assumed charge of Ambassador of Pakistan in January 2019, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah has worked tirelessly to translate strong Qatar-Pakistan ties into mutually beneficial economic cooperation. “Pakistan and Qatar enjoy strong bilateral relations due to many factors like a shared faith, cultural similarities, geographic proximity, historical linkages between the peoples among many others,” he said, adding, “Despite very strong bonds between the two countries, they were not really translated into a matching economic cooperation.”
But, he said, the last three years witnessed a visible change under the guidance and ‘kind patronage of H H the Amir and the leadership in Pakistan as this (economic) aspect of relationship has now greatly strengthened’.
It is to be mentioned that Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, visited Qatar thrice in the last three years while Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also visited Pakistan in June 2019. During H H the Amir’s visit, President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi had also conferred ‘Nishan-e-Pakistan’, Pakistan’s highest civil award, on the Amir, as an expression of the depth of the historical relations between Qatar and Pakistan.
Commenting on the bilateral visits, the Ambassador said that the exchanges of high level visits have increased.
“H H the Amir and Prime Minister Imran Khan spoken to each other at many occasions over phone. The Foreign Ministers of the two countries also speak and meet regularly. In defence sphere, ties are excellent as all three forces chiefs of Pakistan, and also Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, have been here more than once in the past three years and Qatari forces chiefs also paid visits to Pakistan.”
The Ambassador feels that this close coordination between the leadership of Pakistan and Qatar has further strengthened historical ties. “The bilateral relations in all fields are going from strength to strength. Our economic ties are much better now… lots of investment proposals are currently being worked upon by both sides.”
When asked whether the bilateral cooperation momentum, developed remarkably in 2019, was still maintaining its impetus, the Ambassador replied: “Visibility has reduced to some extent but not the actual momentum and it was primarily due to global pandemic that brought everything to a standstill. What was agreed in 2019 had to be translated into action in 2020 but unfortunately timeframes were readjusted due to new realities created by the pandemic. Everything agreed upon, however, is still very much on the cards and tangible results would be visible very soon.”
Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said that Pakistan was working with Qatar Investment Authority on many projects and proposals. “We have a very strong energy cooperation which could not be hit even by pandemic. Pakistan’s exports to Qatar have increased significantly, almost doubled, in the last few years particularly of food commodities. Bilateral trade volume has also increased.”
Despite an upward trend in bilateral trade indicators, the Ambassador thinks that the figures are not fully commensurate with the existing potential. “Still it is not enough… not at the level it should be as an enormous potential is still there.”
Syed Ahsan Raza Shah says that Qatar’s role in Afghan peace process has been absolutely vital and has also made Doha as a ‘leading centre of conflict resolution’ in the world.
“It has always been in Pakistan’s interest and we endeavoured for a peaceful resolution of conflict in Afghanistan; a resolution acceptable to all sides. At one point of time several years ago it seemed nearly impossible. Then Qatar stepped in, provided mediation platform to host dialogue between the US and the Taliban resulting in peace agreement between the two sides in Doha in February 2020.”
He continued: “We greatly appreciate the role of Qatar. With this successful venture, successful exercise of Afghan peace process, Qatar will most certainly emerge as centre of conflict resolution for other issues—regional and global as well.”
He said that Qatar and Pakistan will continue working together to support people of Afghanistan in their quest for peace and prosperity.
Highlighting Pakistan’s engage-not-abandon policy towards new ground reality in Afghanistan, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said that abandoning Afghanistan due to political differences with de facto rulers (the Taliban) would have grave consequences for people of Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries.
“If the development process stops and economy collapses in Afghanistan, it can lead to unintended consequences. It is a good sign that the world community is in engagement with the Taliban here in Doha and in Kabul. If there is peace in Afghanistan and a positive engagement (from both sides) then the threat of extremism and terrorism can be defeated successfully.”
Expressing his delight over FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations, the Ambassador said: “I am extremely impressed with preparations and arrangements… I can say, even a year before the event, it will be the best FIFA World Cup. Qatar has constructed magnificent facilities to deliver a compact tournament which will be an additional advantage for the fans and hosts.” He said that Pakistan had offered all possible assistance to Qatar for hosting mega sporting event next year.
Qatar’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic and equal provision of world-class medical facilities and vaccines to citizens and expatriates was profusely praised by the Ambassador who said: “Not saying as a courtesy; the way Qatar looked after expatriates and its overall policy of handling the pandemic is one of the shining examples in the world which is being praised by everybody. Thanks to the government of Qatar for providing excellent medical facilities, timely vaccines and even protecting the jobs of Pakistani community members during the pandemic.”
During incumbent Ambassador’s tenure, the Embassy of Pakistan’s consular services delivery has witnessed substantial improvement. Talking on the subject, the Ambassador said that the Embassy has been successful in vastly improving the quality of services. “We have changed and have developed an electronic (audio/video monitoring) mechanism to monitor and bring required improvement in attitude of officials who deliver consular services.”
