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Rare Honour as Jets Escort PM’s Aircraft
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on April 16, 2026, for the second leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour . In a striking display of diplomatic esteem, Qatari Air Force fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister’s special aircraft the moment it entered Qatari airspace, accompanying it all the way to Hamad International Airport .
The premier was personally received by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, and was presented with a guard of honour by a contingent of the Qatari Armed Forces . The streets of Doha and the airport were decorated with Pakistani flags, reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the two nations .
PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for the “exceptionally warm and generous gesture,” stating he was “truly touched” by the escort, which he said “embodies the spirit of Qatar’s renowned hospitality and the strength of our enduring ties” .
High-Stakes Talks on Regional Stability
During a meeting at the Amiri Diwan lasting over an hour, PM Shehbaz held comprehensive discussions with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani .
Key outcomes of the dialogue included:
- Condemnation of Aggression: PM Shehbaz strongly condemned recent attacks targeting Qatar and other Gulf nations, reaffirming Pakistan’s “full solidarity” with the Qatari leadership and people .
- De-escalation and Dialogue: Both leaders underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and enhanced international coordination, stressing that “dialogue and close international coordination” are essential for ensuring peace and stability in the Gulf .
- Energy Security: Given the disruptions to global supply chains caused by the conflict, the two sides specifically emphasized the importance of maintaining the “smooth flow of energy supply chains” .
Advancing the US-Iran Peace Process
The visit is part of Islamabad’s intensified shuttle diplomacy following the first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, which concluded without a final agreement .
Before arriving in Doha, PM Shehbaz met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah . He is scheduled to conclude the tour in Türkiye, where he will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum .
The Qatari Emir expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s “pivotal and constructive role” in facilitating dialogue and supporting peace efforts in the volatile region, acknowledging Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach as instrumental in promoting restraint . The two leaders agreed to continue close coordination as efforts for a second round of US-Iran negotiations progress .
Bilateral Ties Strengthened
Beyond the immediate crisis, PM Shehbaz and the Emir reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including security, defence, and energy, with a shared vision of expanding economic and strategic ties between the two nations .
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi .
