Pakistan to possibly provide troops for security during FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

Picture source - CFP via China Global TV Network

A preliminary deal allowing the government to send troops to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup later this year has been approved by the Pakistani cabinet.

On Monday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed to Reuters that a summary consisting of the outline of the agreement was approved by the cabinet on Monday.

The deal was approved by the cabinet after the Joint Staff Headquarters (JSHQ) requested the agreement’s signature and the foreign ministry and the Directorate General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) voiced no objections.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in Qatar from November 21 through December 18.

According to the summary, the government of Qatar has asked for assistance with security-related issues for the tournament.

It stated that the Joint JSHQ has recommended signing the agreement in order to confirm security and management measures for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

According to the agreement, “It aims to define the obligation of the two parties, the specific specializations, and the number of security personnel to be sent by Pakistan to participate in the security and safety operations.”

The summary said, “Approval of the cabinet is solicited for the signing of the agreement of Cooperation in the Field of Security Coverage for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between the State of Qatar through the Ministry of Interior and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, by circulation.”