Pakistan and Qatar officials discuss Afghanistan amid rising tensions

High-ranking Pakistani and Qatari officials met in Doha to discuss regional developments, particularly the situation in Afghanistan and Iran.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif held talks with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani on security, defense and political issues. A joint statement issued after the meeting emphasized dialogue, tension reduction and coordinated efforts for regional peace and stability. The situation in Afghanistan and its security implications for the region were key discussion points.

The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of failing to prevent cross-border attacks. Following recent suicide bombings, including one on an imam bargah in Islamabad and incidents in Bajaur and Bannu, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan. Pakistani officials claimed seven hideouts were targeted, killing more than 100 people, based on intelligence information.

The two sides also discussed bilateral defense and security cooperation, stressing expanded ties between their armed forces. Sharif expressed satisfaction with current cooperation and called for stronger defense partnerships.

Iran-related developments were another focus, amid rising political and military pressures on Tehran and increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, heightening concerns over regional tensions.

Economic cooperation featured prominently. Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Ahmad bin Muhammad Al-Sayid met Sharif beforehand to discuss trade expansion, Pakistan's exports to Qatar and investment opportunities. The countries agreed to a new meeting on specific Qatari investment proposals in Pakistan and to follow up on decisions from their sixth Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.

Sharif visited Doha at the invitation of Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This marked his third trip to Qatar in five months, signaling growing strategic ties between Islamabad and Doha.