Islamabad: 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 Governments of Pakistan and Qatar.
The first day of the session featured detailed technical discussions between delegates of both countries on sectoral cooperation. On the second day, H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar, signed the protocol to formalize the commitments made during the technical session.
During the closing ceremony, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties by leveraging fraternal relations to boost investment and joint ventures. Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, expressed optimism that the Sixth JMC session would mark a milestone in Pakistan-Qatar relations, particularly in expanding trade and investment cooperation.
In trade and investment, the protocol supports the realization of His Highness the Amir of Qatar's vision to invest USD 3 billion in Pakistan through the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) or other investment mechanisms. It highlights closer engagement between Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the QIA to streamline investment processes and provide an enabling environment for Qatari investors.
In the transport sector, both sides expressed interest in expanding cooperation in public transport systems, green mobility technologies, and infrastructure development, including opportunities for Qatari investment in the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway (M-13) and Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway through PPP or direct financing. The protocol also outlines plans for enhanced collaboration in civil aviation through bilateral consultations in early 2026.
Education and health cooperation were key focus areas. The JMC finalized the draft Second Executive Programme (2025-2028) for collaboration in education, higher education, and scientific research, along with a draft MoU on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) between Qatar's Ministry of Education and Pakistan's NAVTTC. In health, the protocol calls for activating the existing MoU through a joint working committee to attract Pakistani medical professionals to Qatar's Hamad Medical Corporation, promote knowledge exchange, and explore mutual recognition of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
In culture and media, both sides agreed to establish streamlined visa and exchange mechanisms for artists and academics, launch a 'Year of Culture' program for film, heritage, and museum collaboration, and enhance media cooperation between Qatar News Agency (QNA) and Associated Press of Pakistan. Reciprocal training programs and cultural exchanges between Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Qatar Radio were also endorsed.
The communications and information technology protocol underscores collaboration in e-governance, smart cities, and the digital economy, with strengthened links between Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and Pakistan's Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA). The labor cooperation component prioritizes deploying skilled Pakistani workers to Qatar and finalizing a new MoU to streamline recruitment processes and share best practices.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the session's outcomes and reaffirmed their determination to ensure implementation of the agreed measures. The Seventh Session of the JMC will be held in 2026, with details to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs reiterated Pakistan's strong commitment to advancing economic and technical cooperation with Qatar for shared prosperity and sustainable growth.