PM Shehbaz, Qatari Emir discuss regional developments in phone call

Premier reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability as tensions rise in Middle East

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed recent developments in the Middle East with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region amid Washington’s warnings of potential action in response to Iran’s crackdown on protests.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders exchanged detailed views on the evolving situation in the Middle East during a telephonic conversation on Wednesday.

PM Shehbaz appreciated Qatar’s constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue and mediation in the region, and acknowledged Doha’s efforts, conveyed through diplomatic channels, to help reduce regional tensions.

Read: Qatar confirms departure of US personnel from Al Udeid base as Iran tensions rise

The prime minister assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would continue to play a positive and responsible role in efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The call was aimed at further consolidating the friendly relations between Pakistan and Qatar. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the current pace of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their shared resolve to deepen these brotherly relations across various fields.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days to further enhance cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Qatar.

The conversation came at a critical juncture, with tensions high in the Middle East as Iran's leadership tries to suppress the worst domestic unrest the Islamic Republic has ever faced, while also seeking to deter US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said on Wednesday that Iranian security forces have killed at least 3,428 protesters in the crackdown on demonstrations, adding that more than 10,000 people have also been arrested.

قطر کے امیر عزت مآب شیخ تمیم بن حمد الثانی اور وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ٹیلیفونک رابطہ

دونوں رہنماؤں نے پاکستان اور قطر کے درمیان دوطرفہ تعلقات کی موجودہ رفتار پر اطمینان کا اظہار کیا اور ان برادرانہ تعلقات کو مزید مستحکم کرنے کے مشترکہ عزم کا اعادہ کیا۔ مشرقِ وسطیٰ کی حالیہ… pic.twitter.com/lsFvflSEF8

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 14, 2026

IHR said the jump in its verified toll was due to new information received from within the Iranian health and education ministries, with at least 3,379 of the killings occurring during the height of the protest movement from January 8 to 12.

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a US official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official stated that Tehran had warned neighbors it would target American bases if Washington strikes.

Two European officials said US military intervention appeared likely, with one noting that it could occur within the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared that Trump had made a decision to intervene, although the scope and timing have yet to be clarified.