PM Shehbaz expresses solidarity with Qatari amir, urges de-escalation, dialogue for regional peace

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed solidarity with Qatar and urged 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 over an hour. Both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.

“At the outset, Qatari amir welcomed PM 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 underscored the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly 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 fields of security, defence and energy, in a manner that enhances partnership and opens new avenues for cooperation.

The statement added that the Qatari amir and PM Shehbaz also held a one-on-one meeting, during which they exchanged views on developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly in light of ongoing events and their implications for regional security and stability.

The meeting was attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs 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, it was attended by FM Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

Later, the prime minister in a post on X said, “I had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, 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 Qatar’s fighter jets to escort our aircraft as it entered Qatari airspace.”

PM 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.

Upon reaching Doha, PM Shehbaz was received by Qatar’s Minister of State for 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 detailed the grand welcome PM Shehbaz received, that upon entering Qatari airspace, “Qatari Air Force fighter jets escorted the prime minister’s aircraft in a ceremonial and security formation, accompanying it to the airport.”

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

The premier’s meeting with the Qatari Amir came four days after the US and Iran were unable to reach an agreement to end their war despite marathon negotiations lasting around 21 hours. The prolonged talks, aimed at halting hostilities that have killed thousands and driven global oil prices higher over the past six weeks, ended with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

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

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on 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 hit.

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