Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Doha on Thursday on a significant day-long visit to express Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The trip comes in direct response to the recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted Hamas leadership in residential areas of the Qatari capital, an act Pakistan has condemned as a blatant violation of international law. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
According to a statement released by the Foreign Office, the Prime Minister will meet with the Qatari Emir to convey Pakistan’s strong support in the wake of what he termed “unjustified Israeli aggression.” The visit aims to reinforce the longstanding fraternal ties between the two nations, which are rooted in shared faith and values. PM Shehbaz will reaffirm that Pakistan has always stood by Qatar during challenging times and will continue to do so, emphasizing mutual support and regional brotherhood.
The leadership discussions are expected to address Israel’s unwarranted attacks on various countries in the region, its ongoing aggression in Gaza, and collective efforts to establish sustainable peace in the Middle East. The visit powerfully underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the security and sovereignty of Qatar and its principled stance on advocating for regional stability and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The international community, including the United Nations and Saudi Arabia, has joined Pakistan in strongly condemning the Israeli strikes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres termed the attack a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” while Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated that the strike had “killed any hope for those hostages” in Gaza and called for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to be brought to justice. Pakistan’s diplomatic mission reinforces its position as a vocal advocate for international law and regional peace.
