Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Support for Qatar and Calls for Dialogue Amid Regional Tensions
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar and called for restraint and diplomatic engagement to ease tensions in the Middle East during a meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha.
The talks, held at the Amiri Diwan and lasting more than an hour, focused on the evolving regional situation as well as broader international developments. According to officials, both sides stressed the need to prioritise dialogue and coordinated efforts to maintain stability.
The Qatari leader welcomed the Pakistani delegation and acknowledged Islamabad’s role in encouraging diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. In response, Mr Sharif condemned recent attacks targeting Qatar and other Gulf states, reiterating Pakistan’s support for the country’s leadership and people.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of de-escalation and underlined the need for closer international coordination, particularly to safeguard energy supply routes at a time of heightened uncertainty.
Discussions also covered bilateral ties, with both countries exploring ways to deepen cooperation in areas including security, defence and energy. Officials said the leaders agreed on the importance of continued consultation as the regional situation develops.
Senior figures from both sides attended the meeting, including Ishaq Dar and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, alongside other officials.
Earlier, Mr Sharif said he had held a “warm and cordial” meeting with the Qatari emir, expressing gratitude for the gesture of Qatari fighter jets escorting his aircraft upon arrival. The ceremonial welcome, which included a guard of honour, was described by Pakistani officials as a sign of the close relationship between the two countries.
The visit to Doha forms part of the prime minister’s wider regional tour, which has included Saudi Arabia and is expected to conclude in Türkiye, as Islamabad continues to engage regional partners amid ongoing efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.
The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of continued hostilities involving Iran and its adversaries, following recent talks that ended without agreement despite extended negotiations. The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, including rising casualties and disruptions to global energy markets.
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