PM thanks Qatar for support to Pakistan-led peace efforts in key diplomatic call

• Premier Shehbaz holds ‘warm talks’ with Qatari counterpart, discusses regional and global situation

• Both leaders reaffirm commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability

• Pakistan, Qatar agree to maintain close coordination and high-level contacts

• Dar, Egyptian counterpart also discuss evolving regional developments and multilateral ties

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday held a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart, expressing gratitude for Doha’s “strong endorsement and support” of Pakistan-led peace efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.

According to a statement shared by PM’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Zaidi on X, the prime minister held a “warm and cordial conversation” with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation.

Prime Minister Office
Islamabad: May 17, 2026

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Receives Telephone Call from the Prime Minister of Qatar

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call, this evening, from His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin…

— Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) May 17, 2026

The statement said the prime minister thanked the leadership of Qatar for its strong backing of Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

PM Shehbaz also conveyed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive role in regional diplomacy and its efforts in building consensus in support of ongoing mediation initiatives.

Both sides agreed on the importance of continued close coordination and sustained dialogue among all stakeholders to address shared regional and global challenges.

The statement further said the prime minister, while conveying warm greetings and best wishes, expressed his desire to welcome the Qatari prime minister to Pakistan on an official visit soon.

Both leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level contacts to follow up on the outcomes of their discussions.

Later, PM Shehbaz also shared details of the conversation on X, saying he had received a call from the Qatari prime minister.

I received a telephone call from my dear brother, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

We exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation and reaffirmed our shared…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 17, 2026

“We exchanged views on the evolving regional and international situation and reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, dialogue and regional stability,” he wrote.

He added that he deeply appreciated Qatar’s constructive diplomatic role and conveyed gratitude to Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for Doha’s strong support of Pakistan-led peace efforts aimed at de-escalation.

The prime minister said he looked forward to the Qatari premier’s visit to Pakistan, adding that Pakistan and Qatar would continue working closely for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

DPM/FM Dar, Egyptian counterpart discuss ‘evolving regional situation’

In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Egyptian Prime Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the “evolving regional situation,” according to the Foreign Office (FO).

In a post on X, the FO said FM Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s “sincere efforts” for promoting regional peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. FM Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for promoting… pic.twitter.com/b3MPdGwzXr

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 17, 2026

The two sides also discussed matters related to the regional consultative forum of foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt.

The conversation additionally covered ongoing engagements at the United Nations Security Council and broader multilateral diplomatic developments, it added.

The FO said FM Abdelatty also commended Pakistan’s humanitarian facilitation in the repatriation of 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani seafarers via Singapore, following their release from vessels seized by the United States.

Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on regional and international developments.

FM Abdelatty also reiterated his invitation to FM Dar to visit Egypt for bilateral consultations at an early date.

The phone calls come as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation between the United States and Iran amid heightened tensions following the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

While a full settlement remains elusive, hostilities have largely subsided since a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. Following the truce, a first round of direct US-Iran talks was held in Islamabad on April 11–12, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. The talks ended without an agreement but also without a breakdown.

As efforts to convene a second round continue, Islamabad has maintained its diplomatic outreach. In the latest development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran, where he held meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf.

Diplomatic sources said the visit was linked to Pakistan’s continued shuttle diplomacy to revive the stalled Iran-US dialogue after Washington rejected Tehran’s latest response to American proposals.

They added that the unscheduled visit formed part of ongoing efforts to prevent the negotiations from collapsing entirely after earlier momentum slowed.

The visit, officially focused on bilateral and border security cooperation, comes amid continued sensitivity in the region, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in global energy shipping routes.