PM Shehbaz urges Muslim unity against Israeli aggression in talks with Qatari emir

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday condemned an Israeli strike on Doha as a “blatant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, pledging Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Gulf state and calling for unity in the Muslim world.

During an official visit to express support after Tuesday’s attack, PM Shehbaz met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and conveyed “Pakistan’s strongest condemnation” of what he called Israel’s “brazen aggression” in the Middle East. He also offered condolences for the loss of life and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan, at Qatar’s request, had sought an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the incident.

He welcomed Qatar’s decision to host an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday and confirmed Pakistan’s willingness to co-sponsor and co-convene the meeting through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The prime minister praised Qatar’s “responsible, constructive and mediatory” role in efforts to secure peace in Gaza, warning that Israeli actions were intended to destabilise the region and obstruct humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives.

Reaffirming what he called the “historic, fraternal bonds” between the two nations, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Qatar had “stood with each other through thick and thin”.

He thanked the Qatari emir for Doha’s support during Pakistan’s earlier standoff with India and assured Qatar of Islamabad’s continued backing “shoulder to shoulder” with its leadership and people.

Emir Tamim thanked PM Shehbaz for his visit and gesture of solidarity.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to promote regional peace, uphold international law and support Palestinian rights.

The unprecedented Israeli strikes hit a residential complex in Doha's Leqtaifiya district on Tuesday where senior Hamas officials were meeting to discuss a Gaza ceasefire. While the Hamas leaders survived, at least six people, including relatives of a senior Hamas negotiator and a Qatari security officer, were killed. It was the first known Israeli military operation on Qatari soil.

Qatar denounced the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and suspended its mediation role in ongoing ceasefire talks. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Germany, Russia, and the UK calling it a breach of international law.

Pakistan said Israel's actions showed "continued disregard for international peace and security" and called on the global community to hold it accountable. The UNSC session is expected to be held later this week.

Read More: Pakistan seeks UNSC meeting on Qatar strike

Pakistan, in coordination with Algeria and Somalia, has formally called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the situation following Israeli airstrikes in Qatar.

Taking to X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated: “In view of the unprovoked illegal Israeli aggression against the brotherly State of Qatar, Pakistan, along with Algeria and Somalia, has requested an Emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, to discuss the situation and seize itself of this grave matter.”

He further stated Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic support for Qatar, saying: “Pakistan expresses its complete solidarity and firm support with the Government and brotherly people of Qatar.”