After inordinate indifference and aloofness impassively stretching over the years without any apparent reasons, Pakistan and Qatar have finally warmed up their relations by signing up multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas deal. The $16 billion deal covers the import of LNG from Qatar for 16 years to meet domestic energy requirements. The presence of the top brass of Pakistan and Qatar on the occasion of the signing ceremony indicates that cooperation between the two countries in various other sectors is also expected. Qatar is one of the biggest per capital income countries in the world and has started mega development projects. So far India and the Philippines are the largest labour suppliers in Qatar having around one million people of each country working in the tiny oil and gas-rich country. Though Pakistan should itself create vast opportunities for its labour force, it will not be unusual if Pakistani labour gets job opportunities in Qatar.
Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has termed the deal a game changer as Pakistan will import 3.75 million tonnes LNG annually. The import will help meet 20 percent energy needs of the country until 2032. Abbasi claims the deal will save the country $1 billion annually and another $600 million will be saved in diesel costs for power generators. It took the government almost two and half years to negotiate and finalize the deal, paving the way for the state-owned PSO to import up to 500 mmcfd on ex-ship (DES) basis. According to the agreement, the cost of gas is estimated at $4.78 per mmbtu for March, lower than the current rate of $5.35 mmbtu.Pakistan and Qatar have also signed three other agreements, including cooperation in radio, television, health and academic research activities. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has invited the Qatari businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan in oil and gas as well as the power generation sectors and other fields of economy.
Qatar is a small country with rich natural resources and its leadership wants to boost business and investment activities at local and foreign levels. Millions of foreign expatriates are working in Qatar sending billions of dollars foreign exchange to their respective countries. Pakistan can invite the Qatari businessmen to invest in industrial sector where there are vast opportunities for joint ventures. Qatar has the money and Pakistan has the skill and both the countries can work together in the best interest of their peoples. It will also be plausible if Gwadar and Doha are declared sister cities and it will be good omen to launch development projects in the two cities simultaneously.
