PM Shehbaz holds telephonic call with Qatari PM amid escalating US-Iran war

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Qatar to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The talks focused in particular on Pakistan-led peace efforts in the region.

During the call, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Qatar for its strong support for Pakistan’s peace initiative.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan will continue its efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict, emphasising the vital role of diplomacy in easing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Both leaders emphasised the need to maintain the ceasefire and called for sustained international efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif also extended his best wishes to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced the formation of a new body called Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to oversee the Strait of Hormuz operations.

The PGSA will manage transit and navigation through the strategic waterway and provide “real-time updates on the Strait operations and latest developments.” The announcement was shared on X by the council as well as the Revolutionary Guards’ navy account, as tensions continue to rise across the Gulf region.

The PGSA has warned that, as cited by Al Jazeera, any vessel passing through the strategic Strait would be considered “illegal,” if prior permission not taken.

The authority said navigation within the designated boundaries of the strategic water would require “full coordination” with the Iranian Armed Forces and relevant authorities.