ISLAMABAD 06 NOV 2025 – In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan has proposed expanding defence cooperation with Qatar, days after strengthening its military partnership with Saudi Arabia.
According to TRT World https://www.trtworld.com/article/888d835cafaa, President Asif Ali Zardari made the offer during his official visit to Doha, where he held high level talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday.
“Pakistan is ready to expand collaboration in defence and defence production,” President Zardari said, emphasizing Islamabad’s willingness to strengthen ties in the broader security domain.
In response, Emir Al Thani welcomed the proposal and directed relevant authorities to initiate discussions immediately, a statement from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) confirmed.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT IN THE GULF
The Doha meeting comes shortly after Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September, which reportedly states that any act of aggression against either country will be considered an attack on both.
Commenting on the development, Emir Al Thani told President Zardari that the Saudi-Pakistan defence agreement “should have happened earlier,” highlighting Qatar’s support for Pakistan’s growing role in Gulf security dynamics.
He also noted that Pakistan holds “a unique position” maintaining strategic relationships with China, Western countries, and Gulf states simultaneously making Islamabad a valuable partner in the regional security landscape.
EXPANDING BEYOND DEFENCE
Beyond defence, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food security, as well as deepening bilateral trade and investment.
President Zardari welcomed Qatar’s growing investments in Pakistan and expressed optimism that bilateral collaboration would continue to grow in multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and social development.
“Pakistan appreciates Doha’s growing global role as a hub for humanitarian diplomacy and dialogue,” Zardari said, paying tribute to Emir Al Thani’s leadership in mediating international conflicts.
QATAR’S DIPLOMATIC ROLE IN FOCUS
Zardari praised Qatar’s efforts in securing a Gaza ceasefire last month and delivering humanitarian relief to Palestinians. He also commended Doha’s diplomatic engagement in Afghanistan, noting Qatar’s central role in the Doha peace talks that facilitated dialogue between the Taliban and the international community.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Presidency on X (formerly Twitter), Emir Al Thani expressed his intention to visit Pakistan soon to advance ongoing cooperation projects.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The renewed Pakistan Qatar cooperation comes amid heightened regional tensions following Israel’s September 9 attack on Doha, which killed several Hamas members and a Qatari security official, including the son of Hamas’s lead negotiator during discussions over a Gaza ceasefire proposal.
Analysts suggest Pakistan’s outreach to Qatar following its defence pact with Saudi Arabia signals a broader regional alignment aimed at strengthening collective security and counterbalancing instability in the Middle East.
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