Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) held an emergency meeting in Doha on the sidelines of the Arab Intergovernmental Conference, where they discussed the Israeli attack on Doha and pledged closer cooperation to safeguard regional peace.
Warm, friendly meeting
The discussions took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working together on critical regional challenges.
PM Shehbaz condemns Israeli aggression
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed Israel’s attack on Doha a “deliberate attempt to sabotage peace efforts in the Middle East.” He warned that such aggression posed a direct threat to regional peace and security.
He emphasized that the Doha meeting was a symbol of Muslim unity against Israeli aggression, adding that Pakistan would raise its position at the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other global forums.
Tribute to Saudi leadership
During the meeting, the PM paid tribute to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “bold and wise leadership”, praising his role in uniting the Muslim Ummah at a critical time. He also conveyed his best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Assurance of Pakistan’s support
PM Shehbaz assured the Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s full diplomatic support, pledging cooperation on all international platforms. He stressed that the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha carried a powerful message of Muslim solidarity against Israeli aggression.
Saudi crown prince’s response
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s active diplomatic efforts and solidarity with Qatar. He also welcomed PM Shehbaz’s upcoming visit to Riyadh, where both sides will discuss important bilateral and regional issues to further strengthen ties.
On the sidelines of the summit, the premier held meetings with several world leaders. He met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the presidents of Tajikistan and Egypt.
The meetings were conducted in a warm and cordial manner. In a gesture of mutual respect, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly embraced Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Also Read: PM Sharif reaches Qatar to join Arab-Islamic summit
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz reached Qatar to participate in the emergency Arab-Islamic summit convened after Israeli airstrikes on Doha and amid escalating tensions over Palestine.
The summit, hosted in Doha under the auspices of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), brings together heads of state, governments, and senior officials from across the Muslim world.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting has been called in response to Israel’s strikes on Qatar, the occupation of Gaza, settlement expansion in the West Bank, and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar already attended a preparatory meeting of OIC foreign ministers in Doha on Sunday to finalize a draft resolution condemning Israel’s actions.
