Islamabad/Doha: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has departed Islamabad for a one-day official visit to Doha, leading a high-level delegation to express solidarity with Qatar after Israel’s air strikes on the capital.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi accompany the Prime Minister.
During his stay in Doha, Prime Minister Sharif will meet Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey Pakistan’s support for the Qatari leadership and people following what he termed an “unlawful attack in violation of international law.”
“Pakistan has always stood by Qatar in difficult times and will continue to do so,” his office said in a statement.
The two leaders will also discuss Israel’s continued aggression across the region and consult on efforts to restore peace and stability, it added.
‘Pakistan stands with Qatar’
In a late-night call with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sharif denounced the assault as a “dastardly act” and a “blatant violation of sovereignty” that endangered regional peace. He assured the Amir of Pakistan’s “firm support” and called for unity within the Muslim world at what he termed “a critical moment.”
The Amir thanked Sharif, describing the gesture as a reflection of the “longstanding brotherly ties” between Pakistan and Qatar.
Sharif vowed that Pakistan would stand firmly with Qatar against Israeli aggression. At the same time, the Foreign Ministry described the strike as “reckless, highly provocative, and an open violation of international law and the UN Charter.”
In a post on X, Sharif reiterated “deepest sympathies and solidarity” with Qatar’s leadership and people, condemning the bombing of a residential area that endangered civilians. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact amid fears of wider regional escalation.
