ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has formally called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following Israeli airstrikes on Qatar an unprecedented escalation that has rattled the Gulf region. The request, made jointly with Algeria and Somalia, aims to address what Islamabad described as “reckless aggression” and a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in a brief statement on Wednesday, said Pakistan stood in “complete solidarity” with the Qatari government and its people. “In view of the unprovoked Israeli aggression against the brotherly State of Qatar, Pakistan, along with Algeria and Somalia, has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to seize itself of this grave matter,” Dar said.
The Strike in Doha
The Israeli assault targeted a residential complex in Doha’s Leqtaifiya district late Tuesday, where senior Hamas officials were reportedly holding talks over a possible Gaza ceasefire. While the Hamas leaders escaped unharmed, at least six people were killed, including relatives of a top Hamas negotiator and a Qatari security officer.
It marked the first known Israeli military operation on Qatari soil a move that observers say could dramatically reshape regional diplomacy.
Qatar swiftly denounced the attack as a “gross violation” of its sovereignty and announced the suspension of its mediation role in ceasefire negotiations.
Global Response
The strike has triggered strong international criticism. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, condemned the action as a breach of international law and an assault on diplomatic norms.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued its own strongly worded statement, calling the attack “highly provocative and reckless.” It said the strike represented not only a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty but also a wider threat to regional stability.
“This reckless action by Israel is yet another manifestation of its continued disregard for international peace and security,” the statement read. “Such impunity must not be tolerated by the international community.”
Pakistan’s Position
Islamabad reaffirmed its “principled stance” in support of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people and leadership of Qatar in defending their sovereignty and security,” the Foreign Office added.
The UNSC meeting requested by Pakistan, Algeria, and Somalia is expected to take place later this week.
