Pakistani PM visits Qatar to mediate US-Iran ceasefire talks

Kathmandu. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, a key mediator in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, arrived in Qatar on Thursday. He met with high-ranking Saudi Arabian officials on Wednesday to create an environment for the second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran. 

A statement issued by Shehbaz Sharif's office said, “After his visit to Saudi Arabia, his delegation has arrived in Doha. He is expected to meet with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.”

His office stated that they will exchange views on Pakistan's efforts for regional and global peace. The Pakistani Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Turkiye after his Middle East tour.

High-level talks held between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad last weekend failed to reach an agreement. Following the start of a two-week ceasefire on April 7, the talks held in Pakistan failed to reach an immediate consensus regarding a permanent end to the war in the Middle East.

Due to US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which began in late February, Doha was forced to halt liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after an Iranian attack on Qatar's energy infrastructure.

Qatar, which shares a border with Iran in the vast South Pars gas field, is one of the major producers of LNG alongside the US, Australia, and Russia. Qatar is a key supplier for Asian nations, including Pakistan.