Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar in Doha; Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are also present. Photo: Express
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held what he described as a “warm and productive” meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, with discussions covering bilateral cooperation and the evolving regional situation.
In a statement published in
“I was also accompanied by DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” the Prime Minister said, referring to the high-level delegation accompanying him.
According to the Prime Minister, discussions focused on moving political ties towards stronger economic partnerships.
“Our warmest and most productive discussions focused on how our two sides can promote our fraternal ties and transform them into mutually beneficial economic relations,” he said.
The two sides also reviewed the broader regional situation.
“Pakistan and Qatar will continue to work together for peace and stability in the region and beyond,” the prime minister added, without giving further details.
While the statement did not explicitly detail specific regional flashpoints, it is understood that ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the standoff between Iran and the United States, and efforts around a peace plan for Gaza figured in the discussions, given the rapidly evolving security environment in the broader region.
Separately, an official statement issued after the prime minister’s meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani provided more details about the engagement.
The Prime Minister met Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during his official visit to Doha. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
The two leaders held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum of political, economic and institutional engagement.
According to the statement, the talks focused on improving cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defense, labor mobility and cultural collaboration. The two sides also agreed to activate a joint working group with the mandate to accelerate cooperation in these sectors.
Both countries emphasized the importance of implementing decisions taken during recent high-level engagements and institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Policy Consultations, to ensure tangible progress.
Regional issues were also discussed, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics. The prime minister appreciated Qatar’s constructive diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and reduction of tensions in the region.
In recent years, Qatar has positioned itself as a key mediator in regional conflicts, and Pakistan has consistently supported diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Both leaders stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and compliance with international law, including the United Nations Charter. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Qatar to further strengthen their strategic partnership and remain engaged and in touch on bilateral, regional and international issues.
The prime minister’s visit comes at a time of intense geopolitical flux, with multiple crises intersecting in South Asia and the Middle East. In this context, Islamabad appears willing to deepen coordination with Doha, a country that has played an increasingly prominent diplomatic role, while seeking to convert strong political ties into concrete economic gains.
