On Visit to Qatar, PM Shehbaz Denounces Israeli Aggression, Vows Pakistan’s Full Support
ISLAMABAD / DOHA : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on the Qatari capital, Doha, terming it a “brazen violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. He called for unity among Muslim nations to confront what he described as “unjustified aggression” by Israel.
The premier made these remarks during a high-level meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday, during his official visit to Doha in a show of solidarity.
The Israeli strike on September 9 reportedly targeted senior Hamas officials based in Doha, killing five of the group’s members as well as a Qatari security personnel. Hamas confirmed that the deceased included Humam al-Hayya — son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya — along with other close associates. Qatar also confirmed the martyrdom of Lance Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Dosari.
‘Heinous act’ condemned
PM Shehbaz condemned the attack in the strongest terms, saying it was a “dastardly and heinous assault” that not only violated Qatar’s territorial integrity but also posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
“Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the leadership and people of Qatar in this difficult time,” he said, adding that such actions could not be ignored by the international community.
The prime minister lauded Qatar’s efforts in pursuing peace in Gaza and warned that Israeli provocations were aimed at derailing humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East.
Call for Muslim unity
Highlighting the importance of Muslim solidarity, the premier stated: “The time has come for the Muslim Ummah to adopt a united stance against such repeated acts of aggression.”
He revealed that Pakistan, at Qatar’s request, has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, and has also welcomed Doha’s decision to convene an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit under the umbrella of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on September 15. Pakistan has expressed its willingness to co-sponsor the summit.
Appreciation for Qatar
PM Shehbaz also thanked the Emir for Qatar’s consistent support to Pakistan during times of crisis, including its backing during Pakistan’s standoff with India earlier this year. He reaffirmed the “historic fraternal ties” between the two brotherly nations.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on international platforms and reaffirmed their mutual support for the rights of the Palestinian people.
Pakistan’s delegation
The prime minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising:
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
- Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif
- Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar
- Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi
Foreign Minister Dar also issued a separate statement condemning the Israeli strike as a “reprehensible act” and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for both the people of Palestine and the State of Qatar.
