PM Shehbaz, Emir of Qatar discuss regional developments in phone call

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed recent developments in the Middle East with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, amid warnings from Washington of potential action in response to Iran’s crackdown on protests.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders exchanged detailed views on the developing situation in the Middle East during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Qatar’s constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue and mediation in the region, and recognized Doha’s efforts, mediated through diplomatic channels, to help reduce regional tensions.

Read: Qatar confirms departure of US personnel from Al Udeid base as tensions in Iran rise

The Prime Minister assured Qatari leaders that Pakistan would continue to play a positive and responsible role in efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The call was aimed at further consolidating friendly relations between Pakistan and Qatar. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current pace of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their common determination to deepen these fraternal relations in various fields.

The two leaders also agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days to further strengthen cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Qatar.

The conversation came at a critical time, with tensions high in the Middle East as Iranian leaders attempt to quell the worst domestic unrest the Islamic Republic has ever faced, while also seeking to deter repeated threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters.

Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said on Wednesday that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters during the crackdown on demonstrations, adding that more than 10,000 people had also been arrested.

IHR said the increase in its verified toll was due to new information received from Iran’s health and education ministries, with at least 3,379 killings occurring at the height of the protest movement, January 8-12.

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from its bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned its neighbors that it would target U.S. bases in the event of a strike by Washington.

Two European officials said a US military intervention seemed likely, with one noting it could take place within the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had made the decision to intervene, although the scope and timing have not yet been clarified.