PM Shehbaz departs for Qatar in solidarity visit after Israeli airstrikes
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday departed for Doha on a day-long solidarity visit following Israeli airstrikes that struck residential areas in the Qatari capital.
The premier is leading a high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
The visit comes just days after Israel attempted to assassinate Hamas political leaders in Qatar, expanding its military campaign beyond Gaza and Lebanon into the Gulf state. The strikes, which rattled Doha, were widely condemned across the Muslim world as a violation of international law.
During his stay, PM Shehbaz will meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to reaffirm Pakistan’s “strong condemnation of Israeli aggression” and to express Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar. He is also expected to assure the Emir that Pakistan and Qatar enjoy deep-rooted fraternal ties based on shared faith and values — and that Islamabad will continue to stand by Doha in difficult times.
Their talks will also cover consultations on Israel’s widening military campaign across the Middle East, efforts to contain regional escalation, and the urgent need for international pressure to halt Israeli strikes.
The visit reflects Pakistan’s firm support for Qatar’s sovereignty and security, while reiterating its call for peace and stability across the region.
Earlier, Pakistan joined Algeria and Somalia in requesting an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address what Islamabad described as “unprovoked and illegal Israeli aggression” against Qatar.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the move on X, writing: “In view of the unprovoked Israeli aggression against the brotherly State of Qatar, Pakistan has formally sought an emergency UNSC session to discuss the matter.”
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