PM Shehbaz expresses solidarity with Qatar’s emir, calls for de-escalation, dialogue for regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed solidarity with Qatar and called for de-escalation and dialogue for peace in the Middle East during a meeting with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, the meeting held at the Amiri Diwan lasted for over an hour. Both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.

“At the outset, the Amir of Qatar welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz and his delegation and expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote diplomatic dialogue in a manner that serves regional security and stability,” the PMO statement read.

It added that the prime minister renewed his condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries while reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for the leadership and people of Qatar.

“Both leaders stressed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and improving international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, especially ensuring the maintenance of the smooth flow of energy supply chains,” it added.

The PMO said the two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen ties, particularly in the areas of security, defense and energy, in a manner that enhances partnership and opens new avenues for cooperation.

The statement added that the Qatari Amir and Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a one-on-one meeting where they exchanged views on developments of common interest and stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, especially in light of ongoing events and their implications for regional security and stability.

The meeting was attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi and several senior officials.

On the Pakistani side, FM Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials attended.

Later, in a post on X, the prime minister said: “I had a very warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today. I thanked His Highness the Amir on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatari airspace into Qatari airspace to Qatari airspace which flies to Qatari fighter jets.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz added that he was truly touched by the gesture, which embodied the spirit of Qatar’s renowned hospitality and the strength of the two countries’ enduring ties.

On reaching Doha, Prime Minister Shehbaz was received by Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, where the Prime Minister and his delegation received a guard of honour.

In a separate statement announcing the Prime Minister’s arrival in Doha, the PMO described the grand welcome Prime Minister Shehbaz received that upon entering Qatari airspace, “Qatar Air Force fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister’s plane in a ceremonial and security formation accompanying it to the airport.”

The Prime Minister had earlier been to Saudi Arabia as part of his three-nation tour. He is also expected to visit Turkiye, where the trip is scheduled to continue until Friday amid ongoing Middle East peace discussions.

The prime minister’s meeting with the Qatari Amir came four days after the US and Iran were unable to agree to end their war despite marathon talks that lasted about 21 hours. The protracted talks, aimed at ending hostilities that have killed thousands and driven up global oil prices over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

On 11 April, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for final talks following a two-week immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon”, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

The United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, killing thousands of people in Iran, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and leaving tens of thousands injured, with civilian areas, including residential buildings and religious sites, among those affected.

The conflict also expanded geographically. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.