ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan wants to expand trade and investment relations with Qatar and translate brotherly relations into mutually beneficial economic ties.

"Pakistan desires partnership with Qatar in energy sector and looks forward to Qatari investments in various sectors of economy", he said in meeting with outgoing Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan, Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Faisal Al-Thani here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

President appreciated government of Qatar for hosting Pakistani diaspora which served as strong bridge between two brotherly countries. He expressed hope that Qatar would increase number of skilled Pakistani workers and would open more visa facilities in Pakistan.

Regarding Afghanistan, President said that Pakistan and Qatar should continue to work together for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan as well as provision of necessary humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

President appreciated leadership of Qatar for making excellent arrangements for FIFA World Cup 2022, saying that Qatar had done commendable job by successfully organising such mega sports event. He also thanked Qatar for providing humanitarian relief and assistance to Pakistan during last year's floods.

President wished Ambassador success for his future and appreciated his contributions towards further strengthening all-around cooperation in areas of mutual interest between Pakistan and Qatar.

 He lauded leadership of Qatar for making efforts against Islamophobia, adding that Islamic world needed to make collective efforts against rising tide of Islamophobia in world.

He highlighted gross human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as well as persecution of minorities, especially Muslims in India.

He underlined that Jammu and Kashmir dispute and atrocities being committed by Indian Security Forces in IIOJK continued to threaten regional peace and security.