On June 24, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Ambassador of Qatar in Islamabad in light of a disturbing wave of attacks in the Gulf state the night before. The meeting provided a high-profile diplomatic opportunity. It was also a purposeful statement of solidarity that confirmed Pakistan’s strategic partner and economic partner in Qatar. Because of the volatility in the region, stability is a valuable commodity and the leadership of Pakistan recognizes that economic growth must be linked to the provision of peace. 

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s message was two-fold, his deep and sincere solidarity with the people and leadership of Qatar, and the need for peace in the Middle East through diplomacy not violence and armed confrontation. Furthermore, his words illustrated the economic dimensions in the often under-explored connection between the two countries, and developed by Qatar, among others, in the wider region.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Economic Stand with Qatar

The meeting this morning between the Prime Minister and the Qatari ambassador represents a clear indicator that Pakistan is not just vigilant but is ready to act in solidarity with its Gulf partner. Shehbaz Sharif importantly prayed for the civilian population of Qatar and praised His Highness the Amir for his fortitude at this time of uncertainty. However, this visit went beyond a harmless political photo-op. It had a strong message of ongoing economic partnership. 

Qatar is one of Pakistan’s most significant trading and energy relationships. As liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar has and will continue to underpin Pakistan’s energy plan, instability in the Gulf can put immediate pressure on households, industry, and ultimately jeopardize national energy security in Pakistan. In this way, the synergy of trade between Pakistan and Qatar is more than just signaling; it is a lifeline to the longer term economic visions of both countries.

The Economic Costs of Regional Conflict

Although the impact on people in terms of violence in the Middle East is reported frequently, the impact on national economies is reported less often. The Gulf of Oman is a key piece in regional shipping and global energy supply chains. Just a small disruption of Qatar’s viable status as a functional state due to violence in the region can have ripple effects on oil (and gas) prices to consumers around the world.

In the case of Pakistan, the stakes are that much higher. Beyond being a supplier of fossil fuels, Qatar is home to over 200,000 Pakistani expats, whose remittances act like a booster shot for Pakistan’s economy. But instability constitutes the risk not only to trade deals but to the jobs of these foreign workers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s emphasis on regional diplomacy is pragmatic in an economic sense. Pakistan cannot support a Middle East characterised by volatility and militarism. The country needs a stable environment where regional trade and investment partnerships can lead to credible peace processes in the Middle East consequently stimulating much-needed economic recovery at home.

Energy, Exports, and Labor: What Pakistan Stands to Lose

With the supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Qatar provides to Pakistan under long-term multi-billion dollar contracts, Qatar is Pakistan’s most regulated supplier. The international community has noted its importance and if this supply chain is disrupted, or if prices escalate due to geopolitical turmoil, it will disrupt Pakistan’s already strained fiscal situation.

Pakistan’s trade with Qatar extends beyond energy supplies. Pakistan’s agricultural exports, IT services, and the deployment of people to Qatar have increased in recent years. Qatar has also expressed its desire to invest in Pakistan’s infrastructure, ports, and hospitality sectors.

Thus, Shehbaz Sharif’s diplomatic gesture was also to signal to investors that peace is a prerequisite for economic development, and Pakistan is for peace. Economic diplomacy is central to Pakistan’s foreign policy, especially in regard to the Middle East.

A Vision for Peace-Driven Prosperity in the Middle East

The Prime Minister clearly holds a strategic vision: that only through negotiation, can peace in the Middle East be attained and prosperity emerges from peace. Without economic cooperation and regional stability, any hope for shared prosperity and development will fall apart. In standing with Qatar and calling for restraint, Shehbaz Sharif is simply proposing a model of reality where economic interdependence and diplomatic engagement are the foundation of regional relations. 

The Prime Minister sees that regional diplomacy should not be reduced to a ceremonial process, as a political signal is made with calls for trade continuance, a secure inventory of civil service workforce and shared future. Pakistan wants to be a facilitator and not a disengaged observer. Pakistan messages to the world that peace is not only a state of mind; peace is a condition that brings economic sustainability to all states and war is merely a four-year recession for everyone.

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