Despite Pakistan Army troops providing security at the mega FIFA event, no leader from Pakistan was seen at opening ceremony of the World Cup. Pakistanis could not help but question why no leader from Pakistan was invited to the ceremony. Arab leaders dominated the list of world leaders who attended the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.
A UAE official has announced that the UAE will begin to end all measures taken against the State of Qatar, following the signing of the AlUla Declaration in Saudi Arabia recently. The UAE will work to re-open all land, sea and air ports for inbound and outbound movement, and that all relevant authorities in the UAE have been notified of these measures which will go into effect as of 9 January, 2021.
Qatar and UAE airlines have announced mandatory coronavirus tests for passengers from Pakistan three to four days before the scheduled departure. The mandatory pre-flight requirement for Qatar airways will take effect from Monday, July 13th. Passengers from Pakistan must show they were tested for COVID-19, 72 hours before their flight departure and present a negative result.
Qatar has temporarily banned entry from Pakistan and 13 other countries to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. Entry has been temporarily suspended for people from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand. The country’s Government Communications Office made the announcement on Sunday after Qatar Airways suspended flights to and from Italy.
Pakistan has offered Qatar to provide security for the FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held by the Gulf state in 2022. President Arif Alvi made the offer and highlighted that there was a lot of scope in the field of defense exports and joint production ventures. According to him Pakistan’s armed forces had a vast experience in the field of security and professionalism, and could provide security for the Football World Cup 2022.
President Arif Alvi has offered to provide security for next FIFA World Cup 2022 being held in Qatar. In a meeting with Commander of Qatar Emiri Guard, Maj-Gen Hazzaa Bin Khalil, President Alvi stressed that Pakistan’s professional armed force has vast experience in domain of security. He also added that the two countries have great potential to include defence export and joint production ventures.
During his recent visit to Pakistan, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offered Prime Minister Imran Khan his country’s cooperation to transform five big airports of Pakistan. As per reports, Qatar will help replace outdated systems and infrastructure with modern technology and will provide financial support for the process to modify them on model of Qatar airport.
Pakistan has allowed all Qatari passport holders immediate entry visas (tourist/visit) for one or several trips. The visa will be valid for 30 days which is extendable for an additional 30 days. However, the traveller needs to have valid passport for at least six months, a round trip ticket and cash equivalent of $1500 or valid credit card.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in an official Tweet has revealed that during his two-day visit to Pakistan, the Emir of Qatar HRH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani announced $3 billion in deposits and direct investments for Pakistan. The break up of the $3 billion aid was not provided by the ministry.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is scheduled to visit Pakistan on June 23 and will confirm details of a $22 billion investment in various sectors of Pakistan. Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed has confirmed visit of the Qatari Emir and the investment as well. Earlier, Pakistan had proposed 30 projects to the Qatar government and investors.