Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for Arab unity, immediate measures against Israel, and proposed the formation of an ‘Arab task force’ to counter Israeli aggression in the region
“Israel must be brought to justice for crimes against humanity. An Arab task force should be formed to stop its brutality, and immediate measures must be taken against Israel,” the prime minister said while addressing the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha.
Shehbaz also accused Israel of violating Qatar’s sovereignty and sabotaging peace efforts in the Middle East, as he called for Arab unity and urgent steps to halt ‘genocide in Gaza’.
He said, “Israel attacked Qatar, despite the state being a mediator, violating its sovereignty and undermining efforts for peace. Pakistan openly condemns the attack on Doha.”
He added that the assault was aimed at derailing peace in the region. “We stand in complete solidarity with the Qatari leadership and our Qatari brothers and sisters,” he said.
Turning to the crisis in Gaza, Shehbaz said, “Israel is committing genocide, and this brutality must end immediately.” He recounted the sad incident when a ten-year-old Palestinian boy who walked kilometres in search of food but killed by Israeli forces.
Shehbaz called for an urgent ceasefire, the release of Palestinians and the recovery of detainees. He stressed that “the issue of Gaza can only be resolved through a two-state solution, with Palestine as an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital, which Pakistan recognises.”
“The entire world must condemn Israeli aggression,” Shehbaz said, adding, “If we fail to unite, Israel will continue to act against humanity.”
On the sidelines of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, PM Shehbaz met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Officials described the talks as warm and cordial. The two leaders discussed the regional situation following Israel’s aggression. “This was a deliberate attempt by Israel to derail Middle East peace efforts,” Sharif said, condemning the attack.
Shehbaz praised Mohammed bin Salman’s “bold and sagacious leadership” in unifying the Muslim world and assured him of Pakistan’s “all-out diplomatic support, particularly at the UN Security Council, where Pakistan is a non-permanent member, as well as at other multilateral fora, including the OIC.”
He said the Doha summit itself had sent a strong message that “Muslims around the world spoke with one voice against Israel’s unlawful and reckless aggression, which threatens regional peace and security.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia, Shehbaz thanked the crown prince for the kingdom’s “steadfast support through thick and thin.” He also conveyed “warm respects and regards” to King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
Mohammed bin Salman said he looked forward to Shehbaz’s upcoming state visit to Riyadh later this week, which he said would offer “an important opportunity for a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral, regional and global issues.” He also praised Pakistan’s active diplomacy, including at the UN and OIC, to express solidarity with Qatar.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also attended the meeting.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha, for a one-day official visit to Qatar to attend the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit.
At Doha Airport, the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation were welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Culture.
The extraordinary meeting has been convened in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on the Qatari capital, which left several dead, including senior Hamas figures and a Qatari security official.
The attack, condemned across the Muslim world, has heightened fears of regional instability and underscored Israel’s escalating campaign of aggression.
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The premier is accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is already in Doha, where he has held preparatory meetings and unveiled sweeping proposals to counter Israel’s “dangerous trend” of unchecked attacks.
Dar outlined a comprehensive seven-point response to the Israeli airstrikes on Qatar. “Muslim states must unite behind concrete measures to hold Israel accountable,” he said, detailing proposals that include the formation of a joint Arab-Islamic task force to deter further aggression, pursuing the suspension of Israel’s UN membership, and implementing punitive measures by member states.
He also called for “an immediate and permanent ceasefire along with prisoner exchanges,” ensuring unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza, and reviving a genuine political process aimed at a two-state solution.
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Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and other regional states. During a visit to Doha last week, Shehbaz reaffirmed “unwavering support” for Qatar’s security and sovereignty and stressed the country’s commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.
