What happened: Qatar’s state-owned fund would invest $3 billion in Pakistan, according to an official announcement from the ruler’s office on Aug 24. Details: The announcement was issued by the Emiri Diwan, the emir’s administrative office, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted official talks with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, following a meeting with officials from the sovereign fund the day before. The $450 billion Qatar Investment Authority expressed an “aspiration to invest $3 billion in various commercial and investment sectors in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” How would it help Pakistan: The investment from the Gulf country is intended to help Pakistan overcome the growing gap between dollar inflows and outflows, which is causing a protracted balance-of-payments issue. The dollar scarcity has depreciated the local currency and reduced the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen to $7.9 billion at the last count. Why it matters: According to Bloomberg, Qatar is considering significant investments in the airports of Islamabad and Karachi, as well as holdings in the renewable energy, power, and hospitality industries.