Doha/Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday for a one-day visit, a move Pakistan says highlights its “solidarity and regional unity” with Qatar after Israeli airstrikes hit residential areas in the capital earlier this week.

The Foreign Office (FO) confirmed the visit, saying the premier is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

On his arrival, Sharif was received by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs.

FO Statement

In a statement issued in Islamabad, the FO said: “The visit underscores Pakistan’s unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar and its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.”

It added that Sharif will hold a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey Pakistan’s “deepest sympathies and support for the Qatari leadership and people.”

According to state-run APP, the discussions will also cover “Israel’s unwarranted attacks on various countries in the region, its ongoing aggression, and efforts to establish peace.”

Israel’s Strikes and Regional Tensions

Earlier this week, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, expanding Tel Aviv’s military campaign beyond Gaza and Lebanon to the Gulf. Hamas officials said the strike hit while its representatives were discussing a US-backed ceasefire proposal with Qatari mediators.

Qatar condemned the attack as “cowardly” and accused Israel of a “flagrant violation of international law.”

Doha, alongside Egypt, has played a central role in attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiate prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.

Pakistan–Qatar Relations

Pakistan and Qatar enjoy close diplomatic and defence ties, reinforced earlier this month when Pakistan’s top military commander, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, met Qatari leaders in Doha to reaffirm cooperation on regional stability.

Analysts note that Islamabad’s swift diplomatic outreach reflects not only support for Qatar but also an effort to position itself within the broader Middle Eastern crisis.