DOHA; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for greater unity among Muslim nations to confront Israeli provocations, following Tel Aviv’s recent airstrikes on residential areas in Doha.
Arriving in Qatar on a one-day official visit, the prime minister met Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to convey solidarity with the people of Qatar after the strikes.
State media reported that the visit was aimed at expressing Pakistan’s strong support and reinforcing regional unity in the face of escalating tensions.
According to a statement released by Pakistan Television, the prime minister condemned the Israeli attacks as a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said Pakistan and its people were deeply concerned over the strikes, describing them as unlawful under international norms.
He stressed that continued Israeli aggression in the Middle East must end, adding that Muslim countries must act collectively to counter such provocations.
During the meeting, Shehbaz reaffirmed the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar, pledging that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Qatar’s leadership, royal family, and citizens during this difficult period.
He assured the Qatari emir of Pakistan’s complete solidarity and voiced sympathy over the loss of innocent lives. He also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in what he called Israel’s “brutal and heinous attack.”
The prime minister further lauded Qatar’s constructive role in peace diplomacy, particularly its mediation efforts in Gaza. He said Israeli actions such as the Doha strikes were clearly intended to derail regional stability and sabotage ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.
Both Qatar and Egypt have been central in US-backed efforts to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire, including talks to secure the release of prisoners on both sides.
Reports earlier indicated that Israel had targeted Hamas representatives in Doha on Tuesday while they were considering a ceasefire proposal linked to US President Donald Trump’s plan. Qatar denounced the attack as cowardly and a serious breach of international law.
In his discussions, Shehbaz recalled Pakistan’s recent call for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, made at Qatar’s request, to address the deteriorating Middle East situation.
He also welcomed Doha’s decision to convene an Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15, offering Pakistan’s willingness to co-sponsor and co-organize the event in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Pakistani leader expressed gratitude to the Qatari emir for his country’s strong support during India’s “unjustified aggression” against Pakistan earlier this year. For his part, Sheikh Hamad thanked Shehbaz for his visit and gesture of solidarity in challenging times.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination on regional peace, adherence to international law, and supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Their discussions reaffirmed the deep, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar and their shared commitment to stability in the Middle East.
Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior aides including Tariq Fatemi. He was received and later seen off by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Affairs Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
According to the Foreign Office, the visit underlined Pakistan’s unwavering support for Qatar’s security and its dedication to regional peace. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s top military commander General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also reaffirmed bilateral military cooperation during his meeting with Qatar’s armed forces leadership.
