POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Qatar to Strengthen Ties and Express Solidarity Amid Israeli Aggression

On a crucial one-day visit to Doha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to reaffirm Pakistan's unwavering support for Qatar in the face of recent Israeli aggression. đŸ‡”
2025-09-11
PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Qatar to Strengthen Ties and Express Solidarity Amid Israeli Aggression

Doha, Qatar – On a crucial one-day visit to Qatar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to express Pakistan’s unwavering support for Qatar in light of recent Israeli attacks. The meeting, which took place today, focused on condemning Israeli aggression in the Middle East and reinforcing the need for unity within the Muslim world to confront such provocations.

According to Pakistan Television (PTV), during the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli strikes in the region, calling them a “blatant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Prime Minister emphasized that these actions were a direct challenge to international law and an unacceptable escalation of violence that threatened regional peace and stability.

A Unified Stand Against Aggression

Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar, stating that the leadership and people of Pakistan were deeply concerned about the attack on Qatar, which had occurred just days earlier. He added that Pakistan had always stood shoulder to shoulder with Qatar during difficult times, underscoring the deep, brotherly relations between the two nations.

The Prime Minister assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would continue to provide unwavering support against any unjustified aggression, particularly from Israel, and that the countries’ joint commitment to upholding international law would remain resolute.

The Pakistani leader also extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Qatar and Israel, expressing sympathy for the loss of life and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Qatar’s Constructive Role in Gaza Peace Efforts

During the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also acknowledged Qatar’s responsible and constructive role in efforts to establish peace in Gaza. Qatar has been a key player in US-backed negotiations, striving to broker a ceasefire and facilitate the release of prisoners from both sides of the conflict.

The Prime Minister recognized Qatar’s tireless efforts to mediate peace in Gaza and stressed that Israeli actions, such as the recent attacks in Doha, clearly aimed to destabilize the region and undermine ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

Earlier, sources close to Hamas had revealed that their representatives were targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Doha while they were engaged in talks regarding a ceasefire proposal initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The attack was widely condemned by Qatar as a “cowardly” act and a flagrant violation of international law.

Commitment to Regional Peace and Stability

In the meeting, the two leaders also discussed their shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty. He further extended Pakistan’s willingness to co-sponsor and co-organize the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit, set to be hosted by Qatar on September 15. This summit, which aims to address the Middle East’s ongoing crises, will feature leaders from across the Muslim world, with the goal of fostering unity and advancing diplomatic solutions.

Both leaders also agreed to maintain close coordination in promoting regional peace, upholding international law, and supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Qatar’s support during Pakistan’s own recent challenges, particularly in the face of India’s unjustified aggression earlier this year.

A Deepening Friendship

The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and reflects the enduring and deepening diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Both countries share strong bilateral relations, rooted in their shared faith, values, and commitment to regional stability.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s top military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, visited Qatar and reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

Conclusion of the Visit

After a series of productive talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Doha, departing with a message of continued cooperation and solidarity. He was seen off by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, alongside other senior Qatari officials.

The visit, which was attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, was seen as a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-Qatar relations, particularly as both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.

Pakistan’s Role in Supporting International Peace

The Prime Minister’s visit also underscores Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to upholding peace and security in the Middle East. As a key player in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan continues to advocate for the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts, and its unwavering support for Palestine remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy.

The Foreign Office had earlier stated that the visit was a testament to Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar” and its dedication to promoting peace and stability across the Middle East.