For the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, the Pakistan Army will assist Qatar with security in the mega event which is just 90 days away.
The approval was given by the federal cabinet to the Pakistan Army-Qatar agreement on providing assistance during the mega football event. Qatar will host the world cup from November 20 to December 18. The spectacular will be held for the first time in the Gulf country.
A summary outlining the agreement, to be signed between Doha and Islamabad, was approved by the cabinet, minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, ahead of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar starting Tuesday.
It was not immediately clear when the agreement would be signed between the two countries.
The cabinet summary, reviewed by Reuters, said the government of Qatar had requested assistance in security-related aspects of the World Cup between November 21 to December 18, 2022, and that Pakistan’s military had proposed the signing of an agreement between both states for the purpose.
“The agreement aims to define the obligations of the two parties, the specific specializations, and the number of security personnel to be sent by Pakistan to participate in the security and safety operations,” the summary read
Qatar’s government media office did not immediately confirm or respond to a request to explain why Doha has requested the Pakistani troops or what they will be doing during the tournament.
There was also no immediate response from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which is overseeing the organisation of the World Cup, including security.
The summary did not provide any details of the agreement such as how many personnel could be sent.
The approval of the agreement comes a day before Prime Minister Sharif departs for Doha on a two-day visit starting Tuesday.
Sharif will be accompanied by his cabinet ministers, according to a government handout on Monday.
“The two sides will discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, especially to move forward cooperation in energy, trade, and investment opportunities,” the handout said.
Sharif is also scheduled to visit a soccer stadium in Doha where he will be briefed about the efforts undertaken by the Qatari government in the World Cup, the handout added.