Pakistan Stands by Qatar in Difficult Times

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday for a day-long solidarity visit following the Israeli airstrike in Qatar’s capital. The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty and security of Qatar during a time of heightened regional tension.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

According to the Foreign Office, Shehbaz Sharif will meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to reaffirm Pakistan’s fraternal ties with the Gulf nation. He will assure Doha that Pakistan stands firmly with Qatar against aggression and will continue to support efforts for regional peace.

Consultations on Regional Security

The two leaders are expected to discuss the Israeli strike in Doha, which targeted Hamas leadership in residential areas, as well as broader regional instability. The talks will also focus on international law violations, peace initiatives, and strategies to counter ongoing aggression in the Middle East.

Pakistan’s leadership emphasized that the visit is a demonstration of solidarity not only with Qatar but also with Palestine, reflecting Pakistan’s longstanding position on upholding justice and international norms.

Global Condemnations of the Attack

The Israeli airstrike in Doha has drawn widespread international criticism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the strike as “unjustifiable” and a “brazen violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the attack as a “reprehensible” act that undermines international law. Qatar’s leadership called the strike a “cowardly” move, warning that it endangered civilians and escalated regional tensions.

International Reaction

The United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, Jordan, and the UAE strongly condemned Israel’s actions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the attack as a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” while Saudi Arabia labeled it “brutal aggression.”

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told international media that the strike had “killed any hope for hostages in Gaza” and called for accountability against Israel’s leadership.

Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace and Stability

By visiting Qatar, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan’s foreign policy continues to prioritize solidarity with allies, regional stability, and adherence to international law. The visit also sends a message that Pakistan will not remain silent in the face of unlawful aggression against friendly nations.