Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif Rushes to Qatar Amid Taliban Retaliation Threat

Doha/Islamabad: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply after a Pakistani airstrike inside Afghan territory, killing 17 members of a single family and drawing widespread international condemnation. With the Taliban reportedly preparing a counterattack, Pakistan has rushed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Qatar to seek diplomatic support and avert further escalation.

Failed Airstrike Sparks Alarm

Intelligence sources indicate that the Pakistani airstrike failed to neutralize any high-ranking Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commanders. As a result, the Pakistani military is reportedly on high alert along the Durand Line, anticipating retaliatory operations by Taliban forces.

The strike has left Pakistan anxious, prompting Shahbaz Sharif’s sudden diplomatic trip to Doha. Pakistan hopes that Qatar can use its influence to restrain the Taliban and prevent any retaliatory attacks.

Pakistan’s Concerns About Qatar

Reports suggest that Pakistan suspects Qatar of covertly supporting TTP, citing instances such as Al Jazeera labeling attackers as “fighters” in their coverage, which Pakistani officials interpret as sympathetic reporting. Tensions between the two longstanding Islamic partners have reportedly worsened since Pakistan signed a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and failed to meet its LNG purchase commitments to Qatar.

Diplomatic Mission in Doha

During his visit, Shahbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Discussions will focus on:

• Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions following the airstrike
• Taliban influence and regional security concerns
• The Gaza peace plan
• Broader Middle East issues, including US-Iran tensions

This marks Shahbaz Sharif’s third visit to Qatar in the past five months, highlighting Pakistan’s growing unease over its ties with Doha and the immediate threat posed by Taliban retaliation.

Pakistan’s Objectives

According to reports in The Express Tribune, Pakistan seeks Qatar’s diplomatic intervention to ensure the Taliban government in Kabul does not escalate attacks against Pakistan. Qatar previously mediated between Pakistan and the Taliban to broker a ceasefire, and Islamabad hopes Doha can play a similar role to prevent the current crisis from spiraling further.