Sharif Discusses Iran, Afghanistan with Qatari DPM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region during his meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani. Both leaders stressed the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and collective efforts to address pressing issues.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting, both nations pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defense and security sectors. The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to expanding its defense partnership with Qatar, commending the professionalism displayed by the Qatari armed forces. Sheikh Saud praised Pakistan’s military contributions, expressing his country’s interest in further deepening the defence ties.

The discussions also encompassed broader regional developments, particularly focusing on Iran and Afghanistan. Both countries expressed their determination to promote peace and stability through peaceful means of communication and de-escalation.

Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman emphasized Qatar’s keenness to deepen its economic cooperation with Pakistan as well, noting bilateral trade and economic relations have been steadily growing. He encouraged the prime minister to enhance bilateral trade volumes and diversify exports, especially in agricultural products and value-added goods, which are pivotal for both nations’ economies.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Senate that over 100 terrorists were killed in recent air strikes by Pakistan’s forces. The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East to exert pressure on Iran, with negotiations set to resume amid concerns of no agreement leading to potential conflict.

Iranian apprehensions about a new conflict have intensified, prompting multiple countries to urge their citizens to evacuate the nation. In response, Qatar and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to elevating their strategic partnership across various sectors of mutual interest.

The current state of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains at its lowest ebb, with Islamabad holding Kabul accountable for allowing cross-border attacks. Pakistan conducted intelligence-led strikes on seven terrorist camps in eastern Afghanistan, resulting in several deaths among Taliban figures, including Akhtar Muhammad. These actions reflect the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism within regional frameworks.

In a separate development, Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade and chairman of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce, convened a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Doha. During their discussion, the two nations reviewed their bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expressing satisfaction with the growing momentum.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of enhancing Pakistan’s investment environment to attract foreign investments from Qatar. Dr Al-Sayed reaffirmed Qatar’s interest in expanding economic cooperation further by strengthening private-sector ties between both countries. They also agreed to convene a meeting within Ramadan to discuss concrete investment proposals, focusing on potential Qatari ventures into Pakistan.

The official visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Doha underscores the evolving strategic partnership between Islamabad and Doha. This third visit in just five months signifies the deepening ties that are shaping Pakistan’s international relations landscape.