PM Sharif and Qatari PM Discuss Regional De-escalation Efforts

Last Updated: May 18, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with their Qatari and Egyptian counterparts on Sunday, part of an intensified diplomatic push by Islamabad to bolster regional peace and stability amidst ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran.

In a “warm and cordial” discussion with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, Prime Minister Sharif expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive diplomatic role. He conveyed his gratitude to the Qatari leadership, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for its “strong endorsement and support of Pakistan-led peace efforts.” Both leaders agreed on the need for continued close coordination to address shared challenges, and Sharif extended an invitation to the Qatari premier to visit Pakistan soon.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the evolving regional situation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Egyptian diplomat lauded Pakistan’s sincere efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. The two also discussed a proposed regional consultative forum involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, as well as ongoing engagements at the UN Security Council. Abdelatty specifically commended Pakistan for its successful humanitarian facilitation in the repatriation of 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani seafarers from vessels seized by the United States.

These high-level diplomatic contacts are set against the backdrop of Pakistan’s role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Hostilities, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, have largely ceased since a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8. This was followed by a first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, mediated by Pakistan.

The latest development in this diplomatic effort is an unscheduled visit to Iran by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. Diplomatic sources indicate the visit is part of Pakistan’s continuing shuttle diplomacy aimed at reviving the stalled peace process after Washington reportedly rejected Tehran’s latest proposals, seeking to prevent the negotiations from collapsing entirely.

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Updated: 6:42 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

Pakistan is positioning itself as a trusted mediator in the ongoing US-Iran situation. Officials have also expressed hope for a second round of direct talks between the two countries as a result of these diplomatic efforts.

Updated: 1:12 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in a telephonic conversation with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, on Sunday as part of Pakistan’s high-level diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and de-escalate tensions.

During the “warm and cordial” discussion, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s constructive diplomatic role and thanked the Qatari leadership, including the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for its “strong endorsement and support of Pakistan-led peace efforts.” Both leaders concurred on the necessity for continued close coordination to address shared challenges. The prime minister also extended an official invitation to the Qatari premier to visit Pakistan, an offer he looks forward to realizing soon.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the evolving regional situation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Egyptian minister lauded Pakistan’s sincere efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. The two diplomats also discussed a proposed regional consultative forum involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, alongside ongoing engagements at the UN Security Council.

Foreign Minister Abdelatty specifically commended Pakistan for its successful humanitarian facilitation in the repatriation of 20 Iranian and 11 Pakistani seafarers from vessels that had been seized by the United States. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact, and Minister Abdelatty reiterated an invitation for Dar to visit Egypt for bilateral consultations.

These high-level calls come as Islamabad continues its diplomatic drive to mediate between the United States and Iran, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Hostilities have largely been contained since a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8, which was followed by a historic round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad from April 11-12. While those talks ended without a final agreement, they did not break down.

Pakistan’s efforts to revive the stalled peace process persist, particularly after US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest proposals. In a recent development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi concluded an unscheduled visit to Iran, holding meetings with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf as part of Islamabad’s shuttle diplomacy to prevent the negotiations from collapsing entirely.

Updated: 11:25 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

Sources have now clarified that the Prime Minister’s call was with the Emir of Qatar. The conversation between the two leaders was described as cordial and friendly.

Updated: 10:58 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

During the call, Prime Minister Sharif also extended his gratitude to the Qatari leadership. He specifically thanked them for supporting Pakistan’s own efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.

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