Mohammad Sio
16 April 2026•Update: 16 April 2026
Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored the importance of dialogue and de-escalation amid a diplomatic push by Islamabad to advance an agreement between Iran and the US.
Sharif arrived in Doha early Thursday on the second stop in a three-leg tour that started in Saudi Arabia and will conclude in Türkiye.
The two leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East, the Qatari state news agency QNA reported.
Tamim hailed Pakistan’s role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote diplomatic dialogue to serve regional peace and security, QNA said.
Sharif, for his part, condemned attacks targeting Qatar and other regional countries and affirmed Pakistan's “full solidarity and support for Qatari measures to its sovereignty and safeguard its security and stability,” the same source said.
The two leaders underlined the necessity of supporting de-escalation efforts and strengthening international coordination to ensure regional security and stability and maintaining a smooth flow of energy supply chains through vital maritime routes, QNA said.
In a post on the US social media company X, Sharif described his meeting with the Qatari emir as “warm and cordial,” saying the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, particularly in the Gulf, and stressed the need for dialogue and close international coordination to ensure peace and stability.
The premier thanked the emir “on behalf of the people of Pakistan” for what he described as a “generous gesture” of sending Qatari fighter jets to escort his aircraft as it entered Qatari airspace, calling it a reflection of strong bilateral ties and Qatar’s hospitality.
On Wednesday, Sharif discussed Islamabad’s mediation efforts between the US and Iran with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting in Jeddah, according to a statement from his office.
Pakistan hosted rare direct talks between the US and Iran this weekend aimed at ending their conflict, but the talks ended without any agreement.
