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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;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.&nbsp;According to a statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, Sharif expressed condolences over the loss of lives and prayed for those injured in recent attacks, while reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s solidarity with Qatar.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Sharif voiced concern over the deteriorating situation and emphasized the need for de-escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;The Prime Minister reiterated that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;He also acknowledged Qatar&rsquo;s restraint in the face of escalating hostilities and briefed the emir on Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further conflict.&nbsp;Sheikh Tamim appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-shehbaz-briefs-saudi-crown-prince-on-regional-peace-efforts-agrees-to-remain-in-close-coordination" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, reiterating Islamabad&rsquo;s support for Riyadh and condemning attacks on the Kingdom. &ldquo;I reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s strong condemnation of the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering solidarity and unequivocal support for Saudi Arabia in these challenging times,&rdquo; the prime minister said in a statement on X, adding that both sides agreed to remain in close coordination.&nbsp;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.

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

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan steps up diplomatic outreach amid escalating Middle East tensions, expressing solidarity with Gulf states and urging restraint while engaging regional leaders to promote dialogue and coordinated efforts aimed at preventing further deterioration of the security situation.

Pakistan PM condemns Gulf attacks in call with Qatari emir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met Qatar&rsquo;s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, saying that the two countries would continue to &quot;work together for peace and stability in the region and beyond.&quot; &quot;Had an excellent meeting with the Amir of Qatar and my dear brother His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha this evening,&quot; PM Sharif said in a tweet on X.&nbsp; During the meeting, the two sides discussed advancing &quot;brotherly fraternal bonds&quot; and transforming them into &quot;mutually beneficial economic relationships,&quot; the PM said.&nbsp; <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2026356165458731273&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=4883c37a0baedad375390932eca2a9cb9bfba6dd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 750px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The PM, who is on a <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistans-pm-sharif-heads-to-qatar-for-key-trade-energy-talks" target="_blank" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" rel="noopener noreferrer">two-day official</a> visit to Qatar,&nbsp;was also joined by DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. &nbsp; According to Radio Pakistan, the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar, expressing satisfaction&nbsp;over the positive trajectory of political engagement. Qatar&#39;s Emir&nbsp;reiterated Qatar&rsquo;s commitment to a deepening economic partnership to a higher strategic level. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. Earlier that day, PM Sharif also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar&#39;s prime minister and foreign minister, in Doha. The leaders reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the increasing momentum in political, economic, and institutional engagement, according to a statement from the Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO). The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defense, labor mobility, and cultural collaboration. A joint task force of both countries was mandated to accelerate cooperation in all these areas, as per the statement. Both sides emphasized the importance of &ldquo;implementing decisions taken during recent high-level engagements and institutional mechanisms,&rdquo; including the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations, it added. The two sides also discussed regional issues, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics.&nbsp;PM Sharif appreciated Qatar&rsquo;s &ldquo;constructive diplomatic efforts&rdquo; in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the region. &ldquo;Both leaders underscored the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law, including the UN charter,&rdquo; the statement added. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Qatar to further strengthen their strategic partnership and to remain engaged and in contact on bilateral, regional, and international current issues.&nbsp;Defense, security cooperation Earlier today, Sharif met Qatar&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, to discuss defense and security cooperation, according to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office. The leaders discussed ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of both countries and Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to further strengthening defense ties. Sheikh Saoud praised Pakistan&rsquo;s military&#39;s professionalism and expressed Qatar&rsquo;s interest in expanding the defense partnership.&nbsp;Trade cooperationEarlier in the day, PM Sharif met Qatar&rsquo;s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, who is also the Chairman of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Business Task Force.&nbsp;The two reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan-Qatar relations.&nbsp; They agreed to implement decisions from the sixth Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission meeting and to meet a joint task force during Ramadan to review Qatari investment proposals.&nbsp;Later, the prime minister welcomed a delegation from the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA), led by its Chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani.&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Sharif invited QBA members to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology, and export-oriented manufacturing. He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) provides a one-window platform for efficient and timely investment decisions. Sheikh Faisal expressed interest in expanding business-to-business cooperation. Both sides agreed to maintain engagement through upcoming task force visits and business forums to convert discussions into concrete partnerships.&nbsp; The meetings also focused on strengthening links between businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi attended all meetings.

Discussions focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defense, labor mobility, and cultural collaboration; joint task force of both countries mandated to accelerate cooperation in all areas.



Pakistan PM, Qatar Emir pledge deeper economic and regional cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday arrived in Doha on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Qatar&rsquo;s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for trade, energy, and regional issues, the Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO) said in a statement.&nbsp;At Hamad International Airport in Doha, the prime minister was received by Qatar&rsquo;s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamer, and members of the diplomatic staff.&nbsp;During his stay, PM Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the Amir of Qatar, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation, energy partnership, and people-to-people exchanges.&nbsp;&ldquo;Both sides will also discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development, and manpower export,&rdquo; the statement said.&nbsp;The prime minister is accompanied by the Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi during the visit.&nbsp;Pakistan and Qatar maintain close coordination at regional and international forums. The visit aims to expand cooperation across multiple sectors and deepen existing ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Doha for talks with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, focusing on trade, energy cooperation, investment, and strengthening bilateral ties across sectors.

Pakistan PM Sharif arrives in Qatar for key trade, energy talks

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met Qatar&rsquo;s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on Wednesday, where both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting stability in the region, according to a statement issued by Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.&nbsp;The statement said the Qatar emir &ldquo;warmly welcomed President Zardari&rdquo; and expressed pride in Pakistan&rsquo;s progress, acknowledging what he described as the &ldquo;valuable contribution&rdquo; of the Pakistani community to Qatar&rsquo;s development.&nbsp;He also expressed a desire to increase the number of Pakistani professionals working in Qatar in the coming years.&nbsp;President Zardari conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Pakistan and praised Qatar&rsquo;s &ldquo;remarkable progress and visionary leadership&rdquo; under the emir.&nbsp;Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation across political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors.&nbsp;President Zardari proposed deeper collaboration in defense production, agriculture, and food security, a proposal the emir welcomed, directing officials to begin discussions immediately, the statement added.&nbsp;Zardari also recalled Pakistan&rsquo;s consistent diplomatic support for Qatar&rsquo;s sovereignty at international forums and lauded Qatar&rsquo;s humanitarian efforts for Gaza. He reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;continued solidarity&rdquo; with Qatar.&nbsp;According to the statement, the Amir expressed satisfaction over Pakistan&rsquo;s recent defense cooperation developments with other Gulf partners and noted Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;strategic importance&rdquo; due to its balanced relations with China, the West, and regional states.&nbsp;The president also encouraged greater Qatari investment in Pakistan, expressing confidence that bilateral economic engagement would grow under the Amir&rsquo;s leadership.&nbsp;Zardari further appreciated Qatar&rsquo;s role in the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, describing it as instrumental in facilitating humanitarian, development, and security coordination.&nbsp;The emir expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would &ldquo;overcome current challenges and move toward stability.&rdquo;&nbsp;The meeting concluded with President Zardari extending an invitation to the emir to visit Pakistan.&nbsp;&ldquo;The emir accepted the invitation and informed the President that he would visit Pakistan early next year,&rdquo; the statement said.

President Zardari and Qatar’s Emir reaffirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral ties, expand cooperation in defense, economy, and culture, support regional stability, and enhance Pakistani workforce in Qatar.

Pakistan, Qatar reaffirm commitment to deepen cooperation and regional stability

US President Donald Trump will meet Saturday with the emir and prime minister of Qatar, a key ally in preserving the fragile Gaza peace deal, during a refueling stop on his way to Asia, officials said.&nbsp;The Qatari leaders will board Air Force One late in the day when it lands at Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the regional headquarters for the US military and thousands of American troops, a White House official said.&nbsp;Trump is travelling to Asia for the first time since retaking office in January, with two regional summits and a face-to-face meeting with China&#39;s Xi Jinping and other leaders on the agenda.&nbsp;Qatar has played a key mediating role in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas since the outbreak of the war and is among the guarantors of the fragile peace deal, along with Egypt, the United States and Turkey.&nbsp;Qatar&#39;s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week to discuss the highly sensitive next steps in the deal, including the establishment of a security force in Gaza and the fate of Hamas.

Middle East

US President Donald Trump will meet Qatar’s emir and prime minister on Saturday during a refueling stop at Al Udeid Air Base en route to Asia.


Articles tagged with "Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani"

Pakistan PM condemns Gulf attacks in call with Qatari emir

Pakistan PM, Qatar Emir pledge deeper economic and regional cooperation

Pakistan PM Sharif arrives in Qatar for key trade, energy talks

Pakistan, Qatar reaffirm commitment to deepen cooperation and regional stability

Trump to meet Qatar leaders on way to Asia