Addressing Pakistan National Day ceremony last night, Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said that relations between Pakistan and Qatar were manifested in time, history, shared heritage and affinities of faith and culture.
“The government and people of Pakistan greatly admire the visionary leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani which has resulted in remarkable progress and prosperity of this great country,” the Ambassador added.
The National Day of Pakistan was celebrated yesterday and the reception was attended by Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, H E Dr. Gaith bin Mubarik Ali Al Kuwari; Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Muhammad bin Abdul Wahid Al Hammadi; Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousef bin Muhammad Al Othman Fakhro; Chief of Protocol, H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro; Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed; and a large number of diplomats, dignitaries and Pakistani expatriates.
“We as Pakistanis proudly cherish these strong linkages between Qatar and Pakistan which are further strengthened by the more than 140,000 members of the Pakistani community proudly contributing to the prosperity and progress of Qatar,” the Ambassador added.
The Ambassador said that the recent successful visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Qatar was indeed a manifestation of strong, historical relations between the two countries. “The visit has further reinforced bilateral ties and will lead to enhanced and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in all fields.”
The Ambassador said that the people of Pakistan were eagerly awaiting Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to Pakistan in the near future.
On bilateral economic ties, the Ambassador said that Pakistan was committed to further enhance economic and trade relations with Qatar. “Currently Pakistan is Qatar’s 13th largest trading partner but it is our endeavour to substantially improve that position very quickly.”
He said that there were nearly 1500 companies in Doha with joint capital between Qatar and Pakistan engaged in the fields of energy, contracting, plastics and heavy equipment leasing, and were playing an important role in the local economy.
He expressed his pride over the fact that Pakistani expatriate workers were playing important role in economic and infrastructure development of Qatar, as Qatar was preparing to host 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Ambassador said that the government of Pakistan had embarked upon on a new trajectory of growth, development and was on a path of financial and fiscal reforms to strengthen the economy and attract foreign investments. “One of the top priorities of the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan is the revival of tourism in the country. Pakistan is fast re-emerging as a leading tourist hub in the region.”
He said that the government of Pakistan had taken a critical step towards opening up Pakistan to the world as nationals of 175 countries could get online visa under new visa regime.
