Pakistani PM met Qatari Emir, reaffirming its Support for Qatar

On Tuesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani after Israel attacked Qatar. Pakistan and the other countries came forward to show their support for Qatar.

Pak-Qatar bond:

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the leaders of the Arab League called for an urgent meeting to discuss their ties with Israel after the brutal attack on Hamas leaders within Qatar territory.

The government-run Press Information Department (PID) said, “While reaffirming Pakistan’s all-out support and solidarity with Qatar at this critical time, the prime minister termed Israel’s attack of September 9, a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a serious breach of international law.”

As per the Press Department, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Chief of Army Staff also met with the Qatari Emir. The press release said, “The prime minister stressed that Israel’s aggression in the Middle East must be stopped immediately, and unity within the ummah was vitally important, in the face of repeated Israeli provocations.”

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the efforts of Qatar in lessening the tension between Israel and Palestine. Moreover, he appreciated the Qatari Emir for calling an emergency Arab-Islamic summit. The Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan also sponsors the summit.

Shehbaz Sharif also said that Qatar was a driving force behind Pakistan’s efforts in conveying to the United Nations Security Council meeting. In this meeting, the countries discussed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. 

The Qatari Emir also praised Shehbaz Sharif for calling an urgent meeting and standing by Qatar in this difficult time. The press release said, “Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in view of the unfolding situation in the region.”

Shehbaz Sharif stressed “Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of the Israeli strike on a residential area in Doha on September 9, which led to the loss of precious lives and injured several others.” After two days of Israeli attack on Qatar, the premier met the Qatari Emir. The PM said, “Pakistan and Qatar’s fraternal ties were historic, longstanding, and abiding, and they would grow stronger in the coming days.”

Meeting with other leaders:

Shehbaz Sharif also met with the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The government appreciated Egypt’s “proactive diplomacy at this difficult juncture.”

The Saudi and Egyptian leaders strongly condemned Israel’s violent attacks. Moreover, they termed “Qatar’s violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel as reckless and a blatant violation of international law.”

Shehbaz Sharif met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. “Shehbaz lauded King Abdullah II’s steadfast leadership on the Palestinian cause. The two leaders underscored the urgency of Muslim unity in confronting Israel’s belligerent actions. They agreed to continue close consultations to mobilise international support for peace and stability in the region.”