Saudi Arabia praises Pakistan’s diplomatic role in supporting Qatar after Israel attack

Saudi Arabia praised Pakistan on Monday for its proactive diplomatic role at global forums in showing solidarity with Qatar following Israel’s last week's attack.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit being held in Doha in response to Israel’s aggression against Qatar.

The meeting comes days after Israel carried out an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar on September 9, expanding its military operations across the Middle East to include the Gulf state, where the Palestinian group has long maintained its political base.

Hamas reported that top officials survived the attack, which killed six people and drew widespread condemnation, including criticism from US President Donald Trump. Qatar, acting as a mediator alongside Egypt in ceasefire talks for the nearly two-year-old Gaza conflict, condemned the strike as “cowardly” and a blatant violation of international law.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, along with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the emerging situation following Israel’s attack. Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned the aggression, describing it as a deliberate attempt to derail Middle East peace efforts.

He expressed deep appreciation for Saudi leadership in unifying the Muslim world at this critical juncture and assured the Crown Prince of Pakistan’s full diplomatic support, particularly at the United Nations Security Council - where Pakistan serves as a non-permanent member - and across other multilateral platforms, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that convening the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha sent a strong message that Muslims worldwide speak with one voice against unlawful aggression that threatens regional peace and security.

Reaffirming the historic and deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, he also thanked the Kingdom for its consistent support through challenging times.

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, Saudi crown prince welcomed the upcoming state visit of PM Sharif to Riyadh later this week, noting it would offer both sides a chance for comprehensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

He further commended the Pakistani leadership for its active diplomatic engagement at the UN Security Council and OIC, underscoring Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar during this critical period.