PM Shehbaz invites Qatari investment in Pakistan's tourism, real estate and hospitality sectors

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held talks with a high-level delegation from Qatar-based Taameer Group to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s tourism, hospitality, real estate and construction sectors.

The delegation was led by the group’s founder, Muhammad Hussein Al Ali, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the prime minister described Qatar as a longstanding and trusted friend of Pakistan that had consistently supported the country during challenging periods.

He said the government was taking concrete measures to attract foreign investment and had removed major bureaucratic hurdles through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan possessed significant investment potential in the tourism, hospitality, real estate and construction sectors and directed the relevant authorities to fully facilitate the visiting delegation in exploring business opportunities across the country.

Muhammad Hussein Al Ali briefed the prime minister on Taameer Group’s ongoing and planned projects in Pakistan and expressed strong interest in expanding the company’s footprint in the hotel, hospitality, construction and real estate sectors.

The Qatari investor also appreciated the government’s efforts under PM Shehbaz’s leadership to improve Pakistan’s business environment and attract foreign investment.

He said the SIFC framework had helped streamline investor facilitation and strengthen economic cooperation, reaffirming the group’s commitment to expanding its investment activities in Pakistan in the coming years.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior government officials.

Pakistan established the SIFC in 2023 as a single-window platform aimed at facilitating investment, accelerating privatisation and improving coordination among government institutions to fast-track development projects.

The council was formed after Gulf countries raised concerns over bureaucratic delays and weak inter-departmental coordination that had hindered investment inflows into Pakistan.

The SIFC has since focused on boosting foreign direct investment in key sectors including agriculture, defence production, infrastructure, logistics, information technology, energy, mining, telecommunications and tourism.