On December 18, 2025, a warm and diplomatic exchange unfolded between Islamabad and Doha, underscoring the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Qatar. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif placed a cordial telephone call to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, in celebration of Qatar’s National Day—a moment that not only marked a festive occasion but also reinforced the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the conversation was marked by mutual respect and genuine goodwill. Prime Minister Sharif began by extending his “heartfelt felicitations to the Amir, the Qatari Royal family, the government, as well as the brotherly people of Qatar,” wishing them “continued peace, progress, and prosperity.” This gesture, while ceremonial, carried significant diplomatic weight, reflecting Pakistan’s appreciation of Qatar’s achievements and its growing stature on the world stage.
The timing of the call was no accident. Qatar’s National Day is a moment of national pride, and the outreach from Islamabad signaled a reaffirmation of the historic, multifaceted partnership that has long characterized relations between the two countries. As reported by Business Recorder, Prime Minister Sharif praised “Qatar’s remarkable achievements and its growing stature on the global stage, under the visionary leadership of the Amir.” These remarks were more than mere pleasantries—they acknowledged Qatar’s increasing influence in regional and international affairs, a development that has not gone unnoticed in Islamabad.
Beyond the formalities, substantive issues were very much on the agenda. Prime Minister Sharif underscored Pakistan’s “abiding commitment to further strengthening of the longstanding and multifaceted bilateral partnership between the two brotherly countries.” This partnership, spanning decades, covers everything from trade and investment to cultural exchanges and strategic cooperation. The prime minister’s words echoed a sentiment that has become a hallmark of Pakistan-Qatar relations: a commitment to mutual benefit and regional stability.
Perhaps most notably, the conversation turned to matters of peace and diplomacy. Prime Minister Sharif lauded “Qatar’s valuable role in efforts to bring peace in Gaza,” a hot-button issue that has captured global attention. Qatar’s involvement in facilitating dialogue and humanitarian efforts in Gaza has earned it praise from numerous quarters, and Pakistan’s public acknowledgment of this role further cements the Gulf state’s reputation as a mediator in regional conflicts.
But the Gaza crisis was not the only topic of regional concern. The prime minister also expressed his “deep appreciation for Qatar’s facilitation of talks aimed at easing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” This is no small matter; relations between Islamabad and Kabul have often been fraught, and Qatar’s willingness to serve as a bridge has been instrumental in keeping channels of communication open. In a region where diplomatic efforts can be as delicate as they are crucial, Qatar’s role as a facilitator has been both timely and effective.
Reflecting on the recent past, Prime Minister Sharif recalled his “official visits to Doha earlier this year,” a reminder of the ongoing high-level engagement between the two capitals. During these visits, discussions covered a wide array of issues, from economic cooperation to regional security. In the spirit of continued collaboration, the prime minister reiterated his “most cordial invitation to the Amir to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.” Such visits are more than ceremonial—they provide an opportunity for leaders to deepen personal rapport and chart the course for future cooperation.
For his part, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani responded with warmth and gratitude. As reported by both the Associated Press of Pakistan and Business Recorder, the Amir “thanked the Prime Minister for his kind and thoughtful greetings on Qatar’s National Day and expressed his strong commitment to further strengthen the historic, deep-rooted, fraternal bonds between both countries in the days ahead.” The Amir’s response was not only gracious but also forward-looking, signaling Doha’s intention to keep building on the foundation of trust and cooperation that has defined its relationship with Islamabad.
Behind these diplomatic niceties lies a broader context. Pakistan and Qatar have long enjoyed close ties, bolstered by shared cultural and religious values as well as converging strategic interests. Qatar has been a vital source of energy for Pakistan, supplying liquefied natural gas that helps keep the country’s lights on. In turn, Pakistan has provided skilled labor to Qatar, especially in the run-up to major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The relationship, therefore, is not just about high-level diplomacy but also about tangible, everyday connections that benefit ordinary citizens in both countries.
Moreover, both nations have found themselves navigating a rapidly changing regional landscape. Qatar’s emergence as a diplomatic player—whether in mediating the Gaza conflict or facilitating dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan—has positioned it as a valuable partner for Islamabad. Pakistan, for its part, has sought to leverage its longstanding ties with Doha to advance its own interests, from securing energy supplies to finding common ground on issues of regional security.
The conversation between Prime Minister Sharif and the Amir also comes at a time when both countries are seeking to diversify their international partnerships. For Pakistan, deepening ties with Qatar offers an opportunity to balance its relationships with other Gulf states and to attract much-needed investment. For Qatar, strengthening its partnership with Pakistan helps consolidate its role as a regional power broker and economic hub.
As both leaders look to the future, the emphasis appears to be on continuity and expansion. The reaffirmation of invitations for official visits suggests that more high-level exchanges are on the horizon. The mutual expressions of goodwill and commitment to “further strengthening the historic and fraternal relationship” are likely to translate into concrete initiatives across trade, energy, and diplomacy.
In the end, the telephone call between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was more than a customary exchange of greetings. It was a reaffirmation of a partnership that has weathered the storms of regional politics and emerged stronger for it. As both countries chart their paths in an uncertain world, the bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite Islamabad and Doha seem poised to grow even deeper.