ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by telephone on Wednesday with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussing regional developments as tensions escalated in the Middle East following warnings from Iran over potential US military action.
The phone call comes as Iran warned it would retaliate against US military bases in the region if Washington intervenes in support of anti-government protesters, prompting the United States to withdraw some personnel from key bases, including Al Udeid Air Base, according to Reuters.
For Pakistan, a wider escalation could have economic and security implications, including pressure on energy supplies, shipping routes and regional trade, as well as potential risks to Pakistani workers and businesses across the Gulf. Islamabad has traditionally sought to balance relations with Iran, Gulf Arab states and the United States, and analysts say heightened tensions could complicate that diplomacy at a time when Pakistan remains dependent on external financing, remittances and stable energy imports.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif and Al Thani expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
