Qatar to invest $3b in Pakistan

Qatar said Wednesday it would invest $3 billion in Pakistan’s debt-ridden economy in the latest boost by a Gulf state for the ailing South Asian nation.

Pakistan has been scrambling for finance in recent months, and the International Monetary Fund is due to meet next Monday to discuss reviving a suspended $6 billion loan programme.

The United Arab Emirates this month said it would invest $1 billion in Pakistan and, according to reports, Saudi Arabia is considering extending an emergency $2 billion loan made last year.