PM Shehbaz thanks Qatari PM for 'strong endorsement, support' of Pakistan-led peace efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with his Qatari counterpart on Sunday and thanked the leadership of Qatar for its “strong endorsement and support of Pakistan-led peace efforts”. According to a statement shared by PM’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi on X, the premier had a “warm and cordial conversation” with Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, and the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation. “The prime minister thanked the leadership of Qatar for its strong endorsement and support of Pakistan-led peace efforts aimed at de-escalation and promoting regional peace and stability,” the statement added. It said that PM Shehbaz expressed his “deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and for building a consensus in support of ongoing mediation efforts”. Both leaders agreed on the need for continued close coordination and dialogue among all stakeholders to address common challenges, it added. The statement further said while “conveying his warm greetings and best wishes” to the Qatari prime minister, PM Shehbaz told him that he was looking forward to welcoming him to Pakistan on an official visit very soon. The two sides agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to follow up on the outcomes of the conversation, the statement added. The telephone call takes place as Pakistan remains engaged in efforts for de-escalation between the United States and Iran, even as military pressure and fears of renewed confrontation continue to shape the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. While a deal for a complete end to the war is yet to happen, hostilities have been largely ceased since the two sides agreed on a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan playing the role of a mediator. The talks had ende