Doha (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday, beginning the second leg of his three-country diplomatic tour after completing his visit to Saudi Arabia.
According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation and is undertaking official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye from April 15 to 18.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated on X that PM Shehbaz was received in Doha by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi. A ceremonial welcome was also given by a contingent of the Qatari Armed Forces, while the airport and parts of the city were decorated with Pakistani flags.
During his stay in Doha, the prime minister is scheduled to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two leaders are expected to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts related to regional and global peace.
Earlier, the PMO confirmed that PM Shehbaz departed for Qatar after concluding his engagements in Saudi Arabia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also noted that the delegation left Madina for Doha following meetings in the Kingdom.
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While in Saudi Arabia, the prime minister arrived in Madina, where he was welcomed by Madina Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He visited the Prophet’s Mosque, where he offered prayers for Pakistan’s progress, national unity, and global peace.
The PMO also reported that special arrangements were made for the prime minister’s visit to the Prophet’s Chamber, where he offered greetings and prayers.
In Jeddah, PM Shehbaz met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also present.
The Foreign Office said the visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar are part of bilateral engagements aimed at discussing cooperation as well as regional peace and security.
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After Qatar, the prime minister is expected to travel to Turkiye, where he will attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and speak in the Leaders’ Panel alongside other global leaders.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where Pakistan has been actively encouraging diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran to reduce hostilities and support a ceasefire process.
