Daily Times

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations, Pakistan and Qatar have signed several pacts during the first official visit of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Islamabad. The accords and memorandums of understanding were signed in different sectors like culture, youth affairs, sports and higher education. The government high-ups extended a very warm welcome to Qatar’s Emir and the members of his entourage. During a round of official talks, Premier Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan held Qatar in very high esteem and desired to enhance cooperation in all fields, particularly energy, trade, investment, defence and manpower. Both the leaders stressed cooperation in various areas of common interest and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The tour carries great importance as the Qatar’s Emir can be counted as one of Pakistan’s close friends in the Gulf.
Like other Gulf states, the Qatar government always stands prominent in offering a number of incentives to Pakistan due to its regional importance. During the last month, Pakistan succeeded in finalising a $ 21 billion long term contract with Qatar for the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar to Pakistan at a highly competitive price. Under the terms of the agreement, Qatar will supply Pakistan with 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of LNG under a pricing formula that translates to a current price of LNG of $ 7 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), a price lower than that paid even by Indian importers, who are currently paying close to $ 9-10 per mmbtu. This offer will really help alleviate the energy crisis caused by the gas shortfall in the country. The gas shortfall increases during the winter season when domestic consumers face load shedding of this utility in their homes. After the finalisation of the LNG deal, Pakistan needs to set up a proper system for injecting LNG into the national gas grid to fully transfer its benefit to the general public. There should be proper arrangements for the safe transportation as well as the distribution of LNG to various parts of the country. Besides taking benefit from these incentives, there are huge prospects of trade between Pakistan and Qatar. Presently, the volume of bilateral trade is $ 300 million per annum that is below its potential and needs to be increased. Qatar can be an ideal market for the consumption of Pakistan’s food products. Through proper marketing and exporting quality fruits and vegetables to Qatar, Pakistan can increase its export income. Along with trade prospects, Pakistan has requested Qatar to increase Pakistani manpower employed in the latter that will ultimately benefit the Pakistan economy in the form of remittances. As Qatar is going to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, it will require a lot of infrastructural development. Pakistani engineers and labour force can be effective in playing their role in the development of infrastructure in Qatar. Reportedly, almost 100,000 Pakistanis are already working there and adding their share to the economy of Qatar.
It is in the interests of Pakistan that it should boost ties with Qatar and other Gulf states. These states are rich in resources and possess flourishing economies that can improve Pakistan’s dwindling trade prospects. These states generously make offers to Pakistan and the latter must act positively to utilise these incentives for the welfare of the masses. All efforts should be made that these offers and incentives are not wasted due to corrupt practices by high-ranking government officials who look for kickbacks in such deals. At an individual level, those Pakistanis who find an opportunity to go abroad and work there, need to act as the ambassadors of Pakistan and they should do nothing to damage the country’s image.*