Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departs for Qatar for Arab Islamic summit on September 15, 2025. — PID
PM Shehbaz Sharif Attends Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha Amid Israeli Airstrikes on Qatar
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled
to Doha to attend the Arab-Islamic Summit on Israel’s assault on Qatar. Learn
how Pakistan is pushing for accountability, ceasefire, and a two-state
solution.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for
Doha on Sunday to take part in the Arab-Islamic Summit, a high-stakes gathering
convened after Israeli airstrikes on Qatar that escalated tensions across the
Middle East. The summit, hosted by Qatar, brought together leaders and
representatives from nearly 50 Muslim countries under the banner of the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Its goal: to shape a unified
response to Israel’s latest military aggression and to demand accountability at
the international level.
The Prime Minister’s visit underscored
Pakistan’s longstanding position on the sanctity of international law, the
protection of civilian lives, and the need for a just resolution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His trip also came at a sensitive moment, only
128 days after a ceasefire was brokered between India and Pakistan by the
United States, following a four-day conflict triggered by an attack in Indian Illegally
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Against this backdrop, Shehbaz Sharif’s presence in
Doha symbolized both solidarity with Qatar and Pakistan’s determination to play
an active role in regional diplomacy.
Pakistan’s Strong
Stance on Israeli Aggression
Upon his arrival, Shehbaz Sharif was
accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Defence Minister Khawaja
Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and
senior officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had
already reached Doha earlier to participate in preparatory meetings of foreign
ministers.
In his address to summit leaders,
Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Qatar, describing
them as a blatant violation of sovereignty and an alarming breach of
international law. He emphasized that such actions undermine peace not only in
the Middle East but also globally. As a non-permanent member of the United
Nations Security Council, Pakistan called for urgent international action to protect
civilians, aid workers, and UN staff operating in conflict zones.
The Prime Minister’s speech echoed
Pakistan’s consistent demand for accountability: Israel must face consequences
for war crimes and crimes against humanity. He urged fellow Muslim leaders to
press for Israel’s suspension from the United Nations, describing it as a
necessary step to uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
The Push for a
Two-State Solution
Beyond immediate accountability,
Pakistan’s position at the summit emphasized long-term peace through the
revival of the two-state solution. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that sustainable
peace in the region cannot be achieved without recognizing Palestine’s right to
an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the pre-1967
borders.
This call resonated with several OIC
members, who view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as central to the
instability plaguing the Middle East. Pakistan’s diplomatic push also included
support for the establishment of an Arab-Islamic task force to coordinate
humanitarian aid, monitor ceasefire violations, and engage the international
community in a more structured manner.
A Historic Summit in
Doha
The Arab-Islamic Summit carried
historic weight. For the first time, leaders from across the Muslim world
convened in Doha in response to an attack on the host nation itself. The event
highlighted Qatar’s growing influence in global diplomacy, especially its
ability to convene major powers during times of crisis.
Shehbaz Sharif’s participation not only
reinforced Pakistan’s bond with Qatar but also highlighted the enduring
strength of Pakistan-China relations. During his broader regional tour, the
Prime Minister had recently visited China’s AVIC aerospace complex, becoming
the first foreign head of state to do so. Both visits, taken together,
underline Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its alliances at a time when the
regional security landscape is rapidly shifting.
The Wider
Geopolitical Context
Israel’s assault on Qatar came at a
time of already heightened tensions. The Arab-Islamic Summit unfolded as global
debates over accountability, international law, and humanitarian protection
intensified. Meanwhile, the United States faced criticism for its inconsistent
stance on Israel, with many Muslim leaders urging Washington to stop shielding
Israel from international scrutiny.
For Pakistan, the summit provided an
opportunity to amplify its narrative on justice and sovereignty. Shehbaz
Sharif’s insistence that the international community cannot remain silent was a
direct call to action. His words reflected the anxiety felt across the Muslim
world: that unchecked aggression risks igniting a broader regional conflict.
Lessons from Qatar’s
Transport Achievements
While the summit focused heavily on
security and humanitarian issues, President Asif Ali Zardari—who also traveled
in the region—highlighted a different aspect of Qatar and China’s achievements:
sustainable transport. During his journey on China’s high-speed rail network,
Zardari praised innovations such as pollution-free propulsion and earthquake
early warning systems. These comments, while separate from the Doha summit,
aligned with Pakistan’s broader message of learning from its allies in areas
ranging from defense to infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As the Arab-Islamic Summit concluded,
it left behind more questions than answers. Would the international community
act decisively to hold Israel accountable? Could Muslim countries translate
their statements into coordinated diplomatic pressure? And most importantly,
would the call for a two-state solution gain fresh momentum in the face of
escalating violence?
For Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif’s presence
in Doha marked an important reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to
justice, peace, and solidarity with fellow Muslim nations. By pressing for both
immediate accountability and long-term solutions, Pakistan signaled that it
intends to remain a key voice in shaping the future of the Middle East.
The world will be watching closely in
the weeks ahead as OIC leaders, including Pakistan, attempt to transform their
collective outrage into tangible steps. Whether through the UN, humanitarian
initiatives, or regional diplomacy, the Arab-Islamic Summit has set the stage
for what could be a defining moment in the Muslim world’s response to Israeli
aggression.
Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why did Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif travel to Doha in September 2025?
He attended the Arab-Islamic Summit convened after Israeli airstrikes on Qatar,
representing Pakistan’s call for accountability, ceasefire, and solidarity with
Muslim nations.
Q2. What role is Pakistan playing at
the Arab-Islamic Summit?
Pakistan is urging accountability for Israeli war crimes, proposing suspension
of Israel’s UN membership, demanding a ceasefire, and pushing for the revival
of the two-state solution.
Q3. Who accompanied Shehbaz Sharif on
his Doha visit?
He was joined by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah
Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials, while
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived earlier.
Q4. What resolutions are expected from
the summit?
Proposals include a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid access,
accountability for war crimes, and a clear path toward a two-state solution
with Palestine as an independent state.
Q5. Why is this summit significant for
Pakistan?
It allows Pakistan to amplify its stance on international law, show solidarity
with Qatar, and reinforce its diplomatic role as a non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council.
Q6. How does Pakistan view Israel’s
airstrikes on Qatar?
Islamabad condemned them as violations of sovereignty and breaches of
international law, urging urgent action from the global community.
Q7. Can the summit impact the
Israel-Palestine conflict?
While it may not resolve the conflict directly, it strengthens collective
Arab-Islamic pressure on Israel and revives international focus on the
two-state solution.