‘Pak-Qatar ties enter historic phase with LNG deal’

 ISLAMABAD: The ties between Pakistan and Qatar have entered a historic phase since Doha has provided Pakistan Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and assured its unhindered supply that would greatly help Pakistan in fulfilling its increasing energy needs.

These views were expressed by federal ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, General (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Engineer Muhammad Baleegh-ur-Rehman, Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi and Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana while talking to a group of the media during the grand reception hosted by Qatar Ambassador to Pakistan Saqr bin Mubarak Al-Mansouri to celebrate the anniversary of the accession to the rule by founder of the state of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad bin Thani and the National Day of his country here at Serena Hotel Tuesday.

The governor and ministers said that Pakistan always valued the relationship with Qatar since its ruling family and people had been supportive of Pakistan throughout in thick and thin. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi revealed that the agreement for provision of supply of LNG would be concluded within two weeks. The managing director of the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and supplying company from Qatar will have exchange of ratified documents before end of the month, he added. He said that the tariff of the gas couldn’t be given right now.

Governor Rajwana who was formerly member Senate here is very popular with the diplomatic community in the federal capital. He mingled with the guests and had candid discussion about everything under the sun.

It was well attended reception where the elite and diplomats turned up in big number despite the engagements about ongoing ‘Heart of Asia Conference’ in the Foreign Office.

Ambassador Mubarak Al-Mansouri was cheerful about the presence of the guests in large number who felicitated him profusely. Talking to the newsmen the ambassador said that Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani is a visionary like Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and both the leaders are very keen in progress of their respective countries and welfare of their people.

“The two leaders are enjoying close fraternity as they have identical views on many international and regional issues,” Ambassador Al-Mansouri added.

The cake cutting ceremony was performed on the arrival of the chief guest and national anthems of brotherly counties were played before that. The guests were discussing various aspects of ‘Heart of Asia’ conference. They were of the view that with the presence of Afghan President Dr Ashraf Ghani for the conference is a guarantee for its success.

South Korea’s Ambassador Dr Song Jong Hwan while referring of handing over IT Centre to Pakistan as gift on behalf of his government said that he didn’t take on State Minister Ms. Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan for unavoidable delay in the function. He praised Ms. Anusha for her work as part of the government and especially in the IT sector.

Leader of the JUI of his own faction Maulana Samiul Haq, former Secretary General Foreign affairs Akram Zaki, former state minister interior Dr Wasim Shehzad, Parliamentary Group Leader of Jamat-e-Islami in the National Assembly Sahibzada Tariqullah Khan and Abdullah Gul were conspicuous with their presence.