PM Shehbaz, Qatar emir hold key meeting on regional peace efforts, stress de-escalation

Doha (Web Desk): Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting on Thursday with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, during which both sides called for restraint, de-escalation and sustained dialogue in view of the evolving regional environment.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the prime minister is travelling with a senior delegation as part of his official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye scheduled from April 15 to 18.

He reached Doha shortly after completing his engagements in Saudi Arabia, marking the next stop in his diplomatic tour.

Earlier upon arrival, the prime minister met the Qatari emir and later shared details of the interaction on X, saying, “I had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today.”

PM Shehbaz further noted that discussions centred on the changing regional situation, with particular focus on developments in the Gulf region, and both leaders stressed the urgency of avoiding escalation while promoting dialogue and coordinated international efforts to preserve peace and stability.

The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm stance in condemning attacks against Qatar and other countries in the region, adding that Islamabad stood in full solidarity with the people of Qatar.

“We discussed the evolving regional situation, particularly in the Gulf region, and underscored the importance of de-escalation, dialogue, and close international coordination to ensure peace and stability.

“I reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of attacks targeting Qatar and other regional countries, and conveyed our full solidarity with the brotherly people of Qatar,” the premier added.

I had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today.

I thanked His Highness the Amir on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatar’s fighter…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 16, 2026

PM Shehbaz also expressed gratitude for what he described as a remarkable gesture from Qatar, stating that Pakistani aircraft were escorted by Qatari fighter jets upon entering Qatari airspace.

“I am truly touched by this gesture, which also embodies the spirit of Qatar’s renowned hospitality and the strength of our enduring ties,” the premier remarked.