ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday joined Qatar’s National Day celebrations in Islamabad, emphasizing the deep-rooted and ever-growing fraternal ties between the two nations. Addressing the ceremony, he congratulated His Highness the Amir of Qatar, the government, and the people of Qatar, calling the occasion a celebration of unity, leadership, and shared aspirations.

The prime minister paid tribute to the historic unification of Qatari tribes under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani.

Quoting His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s words—“The nation rises with you and waits for you”—he stressed that a nation’s true strength lies in the resolve and contribution of its people.

Shehbaz Sharif praised Qatar’s extraordinary achievements under the “wise and inspiring” leadership of the Amir, highlighting the Gulf nation’s remarkable progress under Vision 2030, its global role as a mediator for peace, and its successful hosting of the historic FIFA World Cup 2022.

He described Pakistan–Qatar relations as “brotherhood that transcends geography,” built on cooperation in energy security, trade, investment, defense, and vibrant people-to-people ties. Over 150,000 Pakistanis, he noted, live and work in Qatar with dignity, contributing to its growth while strengthening bilateral friendship.

Recalling his two visits to Doha earlier this year—first to express solidarity after Qatar faced Israeli aggression and later to attend the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit—Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude for Qatar’s steadfast support to Pakistan during its own time of crisis.

He lauded Qatar’s “distinguished and long-standing role as an emissary of peace,” commending its consistent efforts to open channels for dialogue, defuse tensions, and promote reconciliation globally.

“Pakistan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our Qatari brothers in advancing a shared vision of a secure, prosperous, and interconnected region,” he affirmed.

The event concluded with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joining the traditional cake-cutting ceremony to mark Qatar’s National Day, symbolizing the enduring partnership and mutual goodwill between the two countries.