Says he hopes ‘this historic endeavour’ lays a strong foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region
Combined image of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. PHOTOS: FILE/X
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed “deep appreciation” for Qatar’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace efforts during the Gulf crisis, saying a peace agreement between the United States and Iran was expected to be signed by the relevant parties “very shortly”.
The statement came as US President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Saturday, also confirmed the development, saying a deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would be immediately “open to all” after it was signed.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, contradicted the claim, saying that the signing of the Islamabad memorandum would not take place on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier received a telephone call from Qatar’s PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, during which the two leaders discussed the latest developments regarding the peace process in the Gulf region.
ISLAMABAD: 13 June 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receives telephone call from the Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Qatar.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani,… pic.twitter.com/prSoYvCYGO
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 13, 2026
“During their warm and cordial conversation, the prime minister conveyed his greetings and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, as well as to the brotherly people of Qatar,” the statement said, adding that the Qatari prime minister reciprocated the sentiments.
The premier expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s strong and steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace efforts throughout the Gulf crisis, saying that a peace deal was expected to be signed by the relevant parties shortly.
Also Read: US-Iran deal scheduled to be signed tomorrow, Strait of Hormuz to open immediately for all: Trump
Lauding Pakistan’s instrumental role as a peacemaker in the region, the Qatar PM paid tribute to the premier as well as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for steering the diplomatic efforts in the right direction.
“He assured the prime minister that Qatar was proud to extend its support to Pakistan’s endeavours and hoped that this would bring lasting peace to the region,” the statement said.
The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to the emir of Qatar to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in the near future, as agreed between the two leaders. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.
Later, in a post on X, PM Shehbaz thanked Qatar for its support during the peace efforts.
During my warm and cordial telephone conversation this evening with my brother, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, I conveyed my profound appreciation for Qatar’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 13, 2026
“During my warm and cordial telephone conversation this evening … I conveyed my profound appreciation for Qatar’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s peace efforts throughout the Gulf crisis,” he wrote.
“We exchanged views on the latest developments regarding the landmark peace deal. We remain hopeful that this historic endeavour will lay a strong foundation for lasting peace and stability across the region,” the premier added.
Read: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia welcome US–Iran talks reaching final stage
Qatar and Pakistan have strengthened diplomatic ties over the years, especially during the ongoing US-Iran war, which arose after the US-Israel coalition attacked and killed Iran’s supreme leader.
The premier had visited Doha on April 16 in the midst of an ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. Leadership of both countries had vowed to continue efforts to restore peace in the region.
On February 28, the US and Israeli alliance assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran and in retaliation, Iran hit Israel and the US assets in the Gulf with a barrage of drones and missiles.
Later, Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea corridor for oil, gas and other cargo transit in the region, crippling a significant portion of the world economy. The US asked NATO and other allies to assist it in attacking Iran, which was met with strong opposition.
On April 7, US President Donald Trump threatened that a whole civilisation would die that night, hinting that the country would pummel Iran with a decisive blow. In such a volatile situation, Pakistan stepped up as a key peacebuilding player and offered to provide a bridge for negotiations.
A day later, the US president announced a ceasefire that has been repeatedly punctured with violations from both sides.
