Iran and Afghanistan under discussion in PM Shehbaz’s meeting with Qatari DPM

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.stressed the importance of diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes on Tuesday amid regional tensions involving Iran and Afghanistan. 

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present in the meeting.

“The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, emphasising the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes,” said a press release from the PM Office.

It added that the two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening longstanding bilateral ties between. 

“They expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of political engagement and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” the press release said, adding that the Qatari leader reiterated the nation’s commitment to deepening economic partnership to a higher strategic level.

“They reaffirmed their support for closer cooperation within multilateral fora and agreed to maintain close coordination on key regional issues.

“The visit reflects the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to further solidify their robust partnership and translate their strong political ties into tangible economic outcomes,” the press release further said.

PM Shehbaz reiterated his invitation to the Qatari emir to undertake a visit to Pakistan which the latter accepted. The press release said the visit would take place later this year.

PM Shehbaz earlier also discussed regional developments, particularly the situations regarding Iran and Afghanistan, with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.

Both leaders underscored the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

According to a joint statement issued after the Doha meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in defence and security and reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of both countries and emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening and expanding the defense partnership.

Sheikh Saud praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and expressed Qatar’s interest in deepening defence cooperation. The discussions also covered regional developments, particularly regarding Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to elevating strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.

The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at their lowest ebb as Islamabad holds Kabul responsible for failing to prevent cross-border attacks. Pakistan carried out intelligence-based strikes on seven terrorist camps along the Afghan border early on Sunday morning following a series of recent suicide bombings, including an attack on an imambargah in Islamabad and incidents in Bajaur and Bannu.

Security sources said Pakistan conducted a large intelligence-based aerial operation in eastern Afghanistan targeting seven key hideouts, killing several terrorists, including Taliban commander Akhtar Muhammad.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that more than 100 terrorists were killed in the retributive air strikes.

Meanwhile, the United States has built up forces in the Middle East to pile pressure on Iran to make a deal at negotiations due to restart on Thursday, with Trump weighing a limited strike if no agreement is reached.

Iranians’ fears of a new conflict have grown and the concerns have also prompted several foreign countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran.

Reviews bilateral economic cooperation

The prime minister also met Qatari premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The two leaders held discussions on bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They also reaffirmed the strong ties between their countries and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in political, economic and institutional engagement.

“Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, labour mobility and cultural collaboration and joint task force of both countries mandated to accelerate the cooperation in all these areas. Both sides emphasised the importance of implementing decisions taken during recent high-level engagements and institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Ministerial Commission and Bilateral Political Consultations.

“Regional issues, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics, were also discussed. The prime minister appreciated Qatar’s constructive diplomatic efforts in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the region. Both leaders underscored the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law including the UN charter.”

Earlier, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed called on PM Shehbaz.

Dr Al-Sayed also serves as chairman of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in Pakistan-Qatar relations. The prime minister emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral trade volumes and diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Qatar, particularly in agricultural products, food items and value-added goods.

Both sides also discussed follow-up to the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing its agreed decisions. The prime minister further highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly reforms and the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in facilitating foreign investment.

Dr Al-Sayed reiterated Qatar’s interest in expanding economic cooperation and strengthening private-sector and business linkages between the two countries. The two sides agreed to convene a meeting of the task force, comprising relevant officials of both countries, within the month of Ramazan, to discuss concrete investment proposals for Qatari investment in Pakistan.

The meeting underscored the shared resolve to further deepen trade, investment and industrial collaboration between Pakistan and Qatar.

Read: PM arrives in Doha amid regional tensions

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Doha on Monday for a two-day official visit. This marks the third visit of the prime minister to Qatar in the last five months, underlining the growing strategic importance of ties between Islamabad and Doha.

He had travelled to Doha twice in September, first to express solidarity with Qatar following Israeli strikes, and later to attend the Arab-Islamic summit hosted in the Qatari capital.