Doha — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for unity in the Muslim world to confront Israeli provocations, following recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted residential areas in Doha.
During his one-day visit to Qatar, PM Shehbaz met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to express solidarity and condemn what he termed a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
“The prime minister emphasised that Israel’s ongoing aggression in the Middle East must be stopped and the Muslim world needs unity in its ranks to confront Israeli provocations,”
said state broadcaster PTV on X.
He strongly condemned the Israeli strike as a “blatant violation” of international law and expressed Pakistan’s deep concern.
“In this spirit of brotherhood, Pakistan has stood shoulder to shoulder with his highness the emir of Qatar, the royal family and the brotherly people of Qatar during this difficult time,”
the statement quoted him as saying.
He assured the Qatari leadership of Pakistan’s full support and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, praying for the swift recovery of the injured. PM Shehbaz also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts in Gaza and warned that such strikes aim to derail regional peace.
“Israeli actions, such as the Doha strikes, clearly aim to undermine regional stability and jeopardise ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts,”
he said.
The visit comes after Israeli strikes allegedly targeted Hamas officials in Doha, which Qatar condemned as a “cowardly” and unlawful act. Qatar and Egypt have been leading mediation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.
PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan had called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting at Qatar’s request and welcomed Qatar’s plan to host an Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15. He said Pakistan is ready to co-sponsor the summit with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
“The prime minister also thanked his highness the emir for Qatar’s strong support for Pakistan during India’s unjustified aggression against Pakistan earlier this year,”
the statement added.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and the rights of the Palestinian people.
PM Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and others. He was received and seen off by Qatari Deputy PM Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The Foreign Office said the visit reflects Pakistan’s “unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar.”
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s top military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, also held meetings in Doha to strengthen bilateral defense ties.
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