President Asif Ali Zardari offered Qatar defence cooperation on Wednesday in Doha. He met Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development. Zardari proposed expanding ties in defence and defence production. The emir responded positively and pledged immediate talks.
This Doha meeting marks Pakistan’s latest push to strengthen Gulf alliances. It follows a landmark Pakistan-Saudi defence pact signed in September. Regional tensions, including recent Israel-Qatar clashes and Pakistan-Afghanistan border issues, make such partnerships vital for South Asian stability. Pakistan Qatar defence collaboration could reshape security dynamics across the Muslim world.
Zardari Qatar Emir Defence Production Talks
Zardari directly offered to expand defence ties Qatar during the bilateral session. “The President offered to expand collaboration in defence and defence production,” a Presidency statement said. The emir instructed authorities to start discussions without delay.
Earlier the same day, Zardari met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to joint defence production and regional peace efforts, including Afghanistan.
The emir praised Pakistan’s new mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. He called it “a welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier.” He highlighted Pakistan’s unique position maintaining strategic relations with China, the West, and Gulf states simultaneously.
Broader Pakistan Qatar Defence Collaboration Agenda
Beyond security, Zardari proposed enhanced cooperation in agriculture and food security. He welcomed greater Qatari investment in Pakistan. The emir expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievements and valued the Pakistani community’s role in Qatar’s growth. He wants their numbers to rise significantly.
Both leaders condemned Israel’s recent aggression against Qatar. Zardari praised Qatar’s humanitarian diplomacy and ceasefire advocacy for Gaza. He paid tribute to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for education and cultural initiatives.
Zardari appreciated Qatar’s mediation in Pakistan-Afghanistan talks. The emir hoped both neighbours resolve current challenges quickly. Another round of Doha-process talks starts today in Istanbul.
The leaders reaffirmed historic brotherly relations rooted in shared faith and aspirations for the Muslim Ummah. They agreed to deepen political, economic, and cultural ties.
Background: Strengthening Ties Amid Regional Turmoil
Pakistan and Qatar have maintained warm relations for decades. Trade, energy, and manpower exchanges form the backbone. Over 200,000 Pakistanis work in Qatar, contributing to its infrastructure boom.
Defence cooperation gained momentum after Qatar faced isolation in 2017. Pakistan stayed neutral and supplied food during the blockade. Recent events – Israel’s attack on Qatar, Iran-Israel clashes in June, and Pakistan-India tensions in May – pushed Gulf states towards collective security.
The September Pakistan-Saudi pact set a precedent. Any attack on one becomes an attack on both. Zardari offers Qatar defence cooperation fits this pattern. It positions Pakistan as a reliable partner balancing Eastern and Western alliances.
Qatar already hosts a Turkish military base and American forces. Adding Pakistan Qatar defence collaboration diversifies its options. Joint exercises, training, and production deals appear likely first steps.
What’s Next for Zardari Offers Expand Defence Ties Qatar
The emir accepted Zardari’s invitation to visit Pakistan early next year. Technical teams will begin defence talks soon. Follow-up meetings on agriculture and investment are expected.
Pakistan’s delegation included PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari met Sheikha Moza separately to boost university partnerships.
These developments signal growing Pakistan Qatar defence collaboration. They strengthen Islamabad’s Gulf footprint while Doha gains a battle-tested ally. Zardari offers Qatar defence cooperation could lead to concrete agreements by 2026.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 6th, 2025
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