Key Points
- Pakistan condemns Israeli strike on Qatar
- PM Shehbaz backs Doha, urges UN action
- FO slams Netanyahu, warns of provocations
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned Israel’s strike on Qatar, calling it a reckless violation of sovereignty and international law, urging the international community to hold Tel Aviv accountable.
The September 9 attack on Doha was a “highly provocative and reckless act” that endangered peace across the Gulf and undermined diplomatic efforts for de-escalation in the Middle East, said Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, in his weekly media briefing.
“These provocations represent a dangerous pattern that threatens regional peace and security. Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people and leadership of Qatar,” he added.
Khan recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s solidarity visit to Doha immediately after the attacks earlier this week, where he assured Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Pakistan’s unwavering support. The prime minister also stressed Muslim unity in countering Israeli aggression and underlined Qatar’s mediatory role in Gaza peace talks.
At Qatar’s request, Pakistan co-sponsored an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council alongside Algeria and Somalia. Pakistan’s UN envoy, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, told the Council that Israel’s action amounted to a deliberate attempt to sabotage diplomacy and prolong civilian suffering in the region. The rare UNSC session, backed by several members, reflected global concern over Israel’s widening military actions.
The FO confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit scheduled for Doha on September 15, which will focus on charting a collective response by the Muslim world. “The Muslim Ummah remains united in its demand for an immediate end to Israeli hostilities and respect for international law,” the Spokesman added.
When asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial comments drawing parallels between the Doha strike and the Abbottabad raid, Khan simply dismissed them. “We do not respond to statements by the purveyors of genocide. Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any external threat. Any misadventure will be met with a resolute response,” he asserted.
Alongside Pakistan’s position on the Middle East, the FO highlighted key diplomatic engagements during the week. Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Murat Nurtleu, visited Islamabad, leading a 13-member delegation that signed a multi-sectoral Action Plan of Cooperation. Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler also held talks in Islamabad, co-chairing the 16th Pakistan-Türkiye Joint Ministerial Commission session with Khawaja Asif, focused on trade, investment, defence and connectivity.
Pakistan this week assumed chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), with the FO saying it would spearhead initiatives on cyber counter-terrorism, border security and terrorist financing.
The spokesperson also addressed concerns over India’s release of floodwaters, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty, and noted ongoing coordination with the UK on migration and prisoner transfer agreements. He offered condolences over recent deaths in Nepal and again called for respect of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
