Pakistan, Qatar PMs Unite on Iran Peace Drive

(MENAFN) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to exchange views on the rapidly shifting situation across the Middle East, including Pakistan's active role in regional peace efforts.

Sharif conveyed his appreciation for Qatar's ongoing support and reaffirmed Islamabad's unwavering dedication to achieving a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Both leaders emphasized the critical importance of sustaining ceasefire momentum, containing further escalation, and rebuilding stability across the region.

The call marked their second conversation within a 48-hour span, with bilateral cooperation also featuring on the agenda. Sheikh Mohammed voiced unequivocal backing for Pakistan's mediation role and underscored the necessity of constructive engagement from all stakeholders to advance negotiations "leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region," Qatar's Foreign Ministry said.

The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of a region still reeling from the fallout of US and Israeli strikes on Iran launched on Feb. 28, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A Pakistani-brokered ceasefire came into force on April 8, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad failed to yield a lasting accord. Since April 13, the US has maintained a naval blockade against Iranian maritime activity in the strait.

Pakistan Condemns Drone Strike on UAE Nuclear Plant
In a separate development earlier Monday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry "strongly condemned" a drone strike that struck the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

"Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of the UAE," the ministry stated.

Islamabad issued a stark warning that strikes on nuclear facilities carry potentially catastrophic and irreversible consequences for human life, the environment, and both regional and global peace and security. Pakistan called on all parties to "exercise maximum restraint, fulfill their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions."

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