VISIT OF THE H.E. SHEHRYAR AFRIDI TO THE STATE OF QATAR TO ATTEND MILIPOL QATAR 2018

The Minister of State for Interior of Pakistan, H.E. Shehryar Afridi attended the inauguration of the 12th edition of the International Exhibition Milipol Qatar 2018. The exhibition is an annual event held in Doha that focuses on Homeland Security and Civil Defence and is currently being held from October 29-31, 2018 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Honourable Minister's visit to the State of Qatar is the first visit undertaken by a Pakistani Minister after the formation of a new Government in Pakistan this summer.

The Honourable Minister of State along with H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar who is also the Minister of Interior took a tour of the exhibition and visited different exhibitors from around the world. They were also accompanied by visiting Ministers and dignitaries from other participating countries. The Honourable Minister showed keen interest in exhibitors dealing in smart cities, civil defence and cyber crime etc.

The Honourable Minister also had an exclusive meeting with the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar. Both discussed matters of mutual concern and the positive role of Pakistani diaspora in the State of Qatar. The Honourable Minister expressed his desire to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres with the State of Qatar. The Minister also handed over a letter of thanks from H.E. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan which was a response to a letter earlier sent by the Qatari Prime Minister greeting Prime Minister Imran Khan on his appointment as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The Honourable Minister also met with H.E. Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of the State of Qatar on the sidelines of the conference. The Honourable Minister also met with a number of Ministers and head of delegations from other countries.

The Honourable Minister also met with Staff Major General Saad Bin Jassim Al Khulaifi the Director General of Public Security and the Chief of Police of the State of Qatar. The Minister discussed issues related to Pakistani diaspora in Qatar. The Chief of Police of the State expressed his  desire to meet cooperate with Pakistani civil agencies. The Minister expressed that a team comprising of heads of Pakistani civil agencies including FIA and Police may visit the State of Qatar shortly to find linkages and areas of cooperation related to internal security and share good practices.

The Honourable Minister also exclusively met with members of the Pakistani community resident in the State of Qatar. He met with various segments of the diaspora in Doha including a women's group and listened to their grievances and instructed the Embassy officials resolve the issues being faced by the community members in the State of Qatar.