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by | Apr 16, 2026

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PM Shehbaz Departs for Official Visits of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye









Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Thursday and emphasised the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The meeting took place shortly after the Prime Minister arrived in the Qatari capital, following the conclusion of his visit to Saudi Arabia. PM Shehbaz was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the meeting as “most warm and cordial” and thanked the Qatari Emir for the “exceptionally warm and generous gesture” of sending Qatar’s fighter jets to escort his aircraft into Qatari airspace.

“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,” he said.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of attacks targeting Qatar and other regional countries and conveyed full solidarity with the brotherly people of Qatar. He also thanked Sheikh Tamim for Qatar’s renowned hospitality.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas, including security, defence, and energy. The meeting lasted over an hour and was also attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with other senior officials from both sides.

The Qatari Emir welcomed the Prime Minister and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting de-escalation efforts and promoting diplomatic dialogue in the region.

Later, the Emir hosted a luncheon in honour of PM Shehbaz and the Pakistani delegation.

The visit to Qatar is part of PM Shehbaz’s official tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye from April 15 to 18. In Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina and held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

In Türkiye, he is expected to participate in the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Pakistan has been actively engaged in regional diplomacy to de-escalate tensions following the US-Iran conflict and the fragile ceasefire that followed.