Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached Qatar for a brief visit to show support and promote regional unity following Israeli airstrikes that hit residential neighborhoods in Doha earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Israel carried out an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, broadening military operations that have spanned the Middle East to involve the Gulf Arab nation where the Palestinian organization has maintained its political base for years.
Hamas sources indicate that the group’s delegates were attacked during conversations about U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal in Gaza.
Qatar denounced the assault as “cowardly” and described it as a blatant breach of international law.
Upon arrival, PM Shehbaz was welcomed by Qatar’s Deputy PM and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, as reported by state-run Radio Pakistan
“Today, PM Shehbaz, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and a senior delegation, will meet Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to express Islamabad’s condolences and support for the Gulf nation,” the Foreign Office (FO) statement mentioned earlier today.
“The trip highlights Pakistan’s steadfast backing for Qatar’s security and sovereignty and its dedication to peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement remarked.
As reported by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan, PM Shehbaz and the Qatari emir’s discussion “will also cover talks regarding Israel’s unjust assaults on multiple nations in the region, its persistent aggression, and initiatives aimed at achieving peace in the area.”
Doha and Egypt have played a crucial role in US-supported efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, and have been diligently working to secure an agreement that would result in the release of prisoners from both parties.
Qatar and Pakistan have robust diplomatic relations, based on their common beliefs and principles.
Earlier this month, the two nations restated their dedication to regional peace and stability during a meeting between Pakistan’s senior military officer, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and the Qatari military leadership during his visit to Qatar.
