KEY POINTS
- PM calls Israeli airstrikes a violation of sovereignty and international law
- Meeting with Amir Sheikh Tamim highlights historic Pakistan–Qatar ties
- Sharif underscores urgency of Muslim unity amid Middle East escalation
- Pakistan links Doha diplomacy with wider Gulf engagement strategy
ISLAMABAD: While strongly condemning Israeli strikes on Doha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed on Tuesday Pakistan’s “all-out support and solidarity” with Qatar during a meeting with Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha.
PM Sharif termed the airstrikes that killed civilians in the Qatari capital as “a flagrant violation of sovereignty and international law.” The meeting took place on the sidelines of the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, convened in response to the escalating conflict.
According to APP, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir accompanied the prime minister, underlining the civil-military consensus on Pakistan’s position.
Strong Condemnation of Israeli Aggression
The Prime Minister told the Amir that Pakistan “stands shoulder to shoulder with Qatar at this critical time,” describing the attack on a residential area in Doha as a “serious breach of international law and the UN Charter,” according to APP.
PM Sharif urged an immediate end to Israel’s aggression and called for greater unity in the Muslim world.
Fraternal Ties and Regional Solidarity
Recalling his visit to Doha last week, Sharif described Pakistan–Qatar ties as “historic, longstanding and abiding,” adding that the partnership would strengthen in the days ahead.
According to the Pakistani officials, the reaffirmation builds on both countries’ cooperation in energy, labour, and defence, while also signalling a united front in the face of Israeli escalation.
Summit Diplomacy in Motion
The Amir, according to Qatari media cited by Al Jazeera, expressed appreciation for PM Sharif’s presence at the Arab-Islamic Summit as well as his earlier visit to Doha on September 12 to express solidarity.
At Qatar’s request, Pakistan has already sought an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the deteriorating regional situation, diplomatic sources told Reuters.
Regional Implications of Doha Outreach
Analysts told Pakistani media that Pakistan’s high-level delegation in Doha reflects Islamabad’s bid to position itself as an active player in Middle East diplomacy.
The effort dovetails with Pakistan’s close ties to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states, where Islamabad has repeatedly offered mediation roles.
Observers argue this linkage shows Pakistan’s foreign policy is increasingly centred on aligning humanitarian solidarity with strategic economic and security partnerships across the Gulf.
