Qatar just gave PM Shehbaz the ultimate main character welcome as Rafales escort his flight

Talk about arriving in style. When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif entered Qatari airspace recently, he wasn't just met by air traffic control—he was met by a fleet of Rafale fighter jets. In a massive diplomatic flex, Qatar sent the high-tech jets to escort the PM and his delegation all the way to the airport, treating the arrival more like a cinematic moment than a standard state visit.

A video from the flight shows the PM actually sitting in the cockpit of his plane, personally thanking the Qatari Emir and the pilots for the elite gesture. It’s the kind of high-honor welcome usually reserved for the closest of allies, and PM Shehbaz made sure to express his gratitude for the high-flying hospitality.

The Rafale Irony

Of course, the internet was quick to point out the spicy irony of the situation. Given the history of the Rafale jet in South Asian regional tensions, social media users didn't hold back on the memes. One commenter summed up the vibe perfectly, noting the massive shift in optics: "From shooting down Rafales to getting escorted by Rafales, Pakistan has come a long way in a year."