Sarosh Mustafa, APP
On 9 September 2025, Israel launched an airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting senior Hamas figures. The attack killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, while top leaders reportedly escaped. Beyond immediate casualties, the strike struck at Qatar’s recognized role as a mediator in ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Qatar condemned the strike as a “blatant violation of sovereignty”, warning that such actions risk destabilizing diplomatic channels.
Pakistan’s Response: “A Reckless and Provocative Act”
From Islamabad to New York, Pakistan’s stance was firm:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the strike “brazen and illegal”, a clear violation of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.
- Pakistan expressed full solidarity with Qatar, defending its sovereign right to protect its territory and citizens.
- Officials emphasized that the attack endangered civilians and undermined Qatar’s mediatory role in the Gaza conflict.
At the UN Security Council emergency meeting on 11 September, Pakistan, along with Algeria and Somalia, called for accountability. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad condemned the strike as “reckless and provocative”, warning it jeopardized regional stability and the prospects of genuine peace.
Demands for Accountability
Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to:
- Hold Israel accountable for violating international law and Qatar’s sovereignty.
- Ensure the protection of mediators engaged in delicate negotiations.
- Uphold the UN Charter and principles of non-aggression.
Islamabad warned that inaction could embolden unilateral strikes and destabilize the Gulf region.
UN Security Council Response
On 11 September, the 15-member Council condemned the strikes in Qatar and emphasized sovereignty and the risks of escalation. However, it did not explicitly name Israel, drawing criticism from Algeria and other members.
Global Reactions
- Qatar: Condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty.
- Russia: Called it a “gross violation of the UN Charter.”
- China: Urged restraint and expressed concern over escalation.
- United States: Expressed unease but stopped short of outright condemnation of Israel.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Posture
Pakistan reaffirmed its principled stance: defending sovereignty, demanding adherence to international law, and advocating collective UN action. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister visits to Doha underscored Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Visits Doha
On 11 September 2025, PM Shehbaz Sharif met Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing Pakistan’s strongest condemnation of Israel’s attack, calling it a blatant violation of Qatar’s territorial integrity. He offered condolences for the loss of lives and prayers for the injured, reaffirming the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
The PM praised Qatar’s mediatory role in Gaza and warned that Israeli aggression undermines regional stability and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Pakistan requested the UN Security Council convene an emergency session and expressed support for the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on 15 September, co-sponsored with the OIC.
The visit highlighted deep-rooted brotherhood and mutual commitment to peace, regional stability, and upholding international law.
