Iran and Afghanistan under discussion in PM Shehbaz’s meeting with Qatari DPM

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed regional developments, particularly the situations regarding Iran and Afghanistan, with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani on Tuesday.

Both leaders underscored the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

According to a joint statement issued after the Doha meeting, both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in defence and security and reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of both countries and emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening and expanding the defense partnership.

Sheikh Saud praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and expressed Qatar’s interest in deepening defence cooperation. The discussions also covered regional developments, particularly regarding Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue, de-escalation and collective efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to elevating strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.

The relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are at their lowest ebb as Islamabad holds Kabul responsible for failing to prevent cross-border attacks. Pakistan carried out intelligence-based strikes on seven terrorist camps along the Afghan border early on Sunday morning following a series of recent suicide bombings, including an attack on an imambargah in Islamabad and incidents in Bajaur and Bannu.

Security sources said Pakistan conducted a large intelligence-based aerial operation in eastern Afghanistan targeting seven key hideouts, killing several terrorists, including Taliban commander Akhtar Muhammad.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday informed the Senate that more than 100 terrorists were killed in the retributive air strikes.

Meanwhile, the United States has built up forces in the Middle East to pile pressure on Iran to make a deal at negotiations due to restart on Thursday, with Trump weighing a limited strike if no agreement is reached.

Iranians’ fears of a new conflict have grown and the concerns have also prompted several foreign countries to urge their citizens to leave Iran.