Pakistan PM arrives in Qatar for talks on regional peace, cooperation

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday on an official visit to Qatar, accompanied by a high-level delegation, according to an official statement.

Sharif was received at Hamad International Airport by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi. A contingent of the Qatari Armed Forces presented a guard of honor.

Pakistani flags were displayed at the airport and in parts of Doha to welcome the visiting prime minister, reflecting what the statement described as strong bilateral ties.

During the visit, Sharif is scheduled to meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The discussions are expected to focus on regional and global peace efforts as well as ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the statement said.

Sharif is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and international media spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi.

Saudi visit and regional diplomacy

Earlier on Thursday, Sharif held talks in Jeddah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both sides discussed regional security and bilateral ties.

Sharif praised what he described as Saudi Arabia’s “exemplary patience and restraint” under the crown prince’s leadership during ongoing regional tensions.

He expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and offered condolences over loss of life, saying Pakistan stood “shoulder to shoulder” with the kingdom.

Sharif also briefed the Saudi leadership on Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach aimed at easing tensions, including efforts linked to a potential ceasefire between the United States and Iran and talks hosted in Islamabad.

The Saudi crown prince welcomed Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation, the statement said.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordinating on regional and international issues.

The recent talks in Islamabad were part of efforts to end a conflict that began on Feb. 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and blocking energy exports, pushing oil prices higher.

The talks ended without an agreement, but U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations could resume this week in Islamabad.

A day earlier, a Pakistani delegation led by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran as part of mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.