Pakistan, Qatar to sign LNG supply treaty in Doha today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar will ink a historic agreement today (Wednesday) in Doha for the provision of liquid natural gas (LNG) for meeting the requirements of Pakistan in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Emir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The prime minister is embarking upon a two-day official visit of the State of Qatar today early in the morning. The visit will have an added significance as the two leaders will also witness a demonstration of Pakistan-China’s co-production JF-17 Thunder multi role fighter aircraft and Mashshak plane in Qatar’s air. Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman will also be a part of the entourage of the prime minister.

Highly placed sources told The News that the visit of the prime minister to Qatar would usher in new era of multi-dimensional cooperation with the Gulf States. The first lady Begum Kulsum Nawaz Sharif, federal ministers Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) for Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi will be accompanying the prime minister.

Two JF-17 Thunder aircraft and two Mashshak light aircraft have reached Doha, which will take part in the demonstrations. The air chief will explain about the two types of aircraft being produced by Pakistan. Qatar was among the first countries that showed an interest in purchasing the JF-17 Thunder aircraft.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim will also discuss regional and global issues in the talks. The Middle East situation, developments with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan’s ties with India will prominently figure in the talks, the sources pointed out. The two brotherly countries will also discuss enhancing their bilateral relations including trade.

Qatar is offering the cheapest tariff of LNG to Pakistan, which would help Pakistan to overcome its energy scarcity. The two countries had lengthy talks on the price and relevant arrangements for the supply of LNG and Federal Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi spearheaded the talks on the behalf of Pakistan and ultimately succeeded in a deal that will suit Pakistan’s interests.