ISLAMABAD, May 18 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended Pakistan’s urgent diplomatic push over the weekend, holding high-level phone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Egypt. The coordinated outreach is part of Islamabad’s ongoing role as a key mediator working to prevent the fragile US-Iran ceasefire from collapsing. Both Middle Eastern nations strongly backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, even as regional leaders warned against the continued closure of vital maritime trade routes.
Islamabad: May 17, 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call, this evening, from His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
During their warm and… pic.twitter.com/gjyiBt1ZHZ
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 17, 2026
Quick Facts
- Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani phoned PM Shehbaz Sharif to discuss de-escalation efforts.
- Qatar declared its “full support” for Pakistan’s active mediation between the US and Iran.
- The Qatari leader warned Iran that using the Strait of Hormuz as a “pressure card” deepens the regional crisis.
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar held a separate phone strategy session with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
- Egypt praised Pakistan’s “sincere efforts” to maintain regional peace and stability.
- The discussions also covered joint strategies regarding upcoming UN Security Council sessions.
According to statements from the PM Office and the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani reached out to PM Shehbaz to express Doha’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s successful role in brokering the initial truce. However, highlighting the immense stakes involved, the Qatari leader also held a firm call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During that exchange, Qatar emphasized that freedom of navigation is an absolute necessity, warning Tehran that keeping the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed threatens the vital economic interests of the entire region.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty.
The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation. FM Abdelatty appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts for promoting… pic.twitter.com/b3MPdGwzXr
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 17, 2026
Simultaneously, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar connected with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to align diplomatic strategies. The Egyptian foreign minister lauded Pakistan’s balanced and active role in navigating the crisis. Beyond immediate ceasefire management, the two foreign ministers expanded their discussion to broader multilateral diplomacy, mapping out how both nations will coordinate their stances at the United Nations Security Council to ensure long-term regional stability.
