PTV Network
Pakistan3 HOURS AGO

Pakistan PM condemns Gulf attacks in call with Qatari emir

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha on March 5, 2023. (File photo: X/AmiriDiwan)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha on March 5, 2023. (File photo: X/AmiriDiwan)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned attacks targeting Qatar and other Gulf states, calling for restraint and diplomacy during a telephone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the widening Middle East conflict continues to escalate.

 

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif expressed condolences over the loss of lives and prayed for those injured in recent attacks, while reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar.

 

The outreach comes amid intensifying regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across Gulf countries, including strikes on critical infrastructure and energy facilities.

 

Sharif voiced concern over the deteriorating situation and emphasized the need for de-escalation.

 

“The Prime Minister reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said.

 

He also acknowledged Qatar’s restraint in the face of escalating hostilities and briefed the emir on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further conflict.

 

Sheikh Tamim appreciated Pakistan’s engagement and efforts to promote peace, with both leaders agreeing to remain in close contact as the situation evolves.


In a separate development, Sharif also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterating Islamabad’s support for Riyadh and condemning attacks on the Kingdom.


“I reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity and unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia in these challenging times,” the prime minister said in a statement on X, adding that both sides agreed to remain in close coordination.

 

Pakistan has intensified diplomatic outreach across the region in recent days, positioning itself as a proponent of de-escalation as the conflict spreads across multiple fronts and raises concerns over regional stability and global energy security.