Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar set off for Qatar in a ‘gesture of solidarity and regional unity’ two days after Israeli airstrikes killed six people in Doha.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Israeli attack as ‘cowardly’ as it targeted residential areas in the Qatari capital.

“The visit underscores Pakistan’s unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar and its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” MoFA added in the statement.

The Prime Minister will meet with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha to convey Pakistan’s deepest sympathies and support for the Qatari leadership and people, the statement further said.

Israel had struck a meeting of Hamas leadership which was deliberating a Gaza ceasefire plan put forward by US President Donald Trump. Qatar has called the strikes a violation of its sovereignty.