Qatar Signals Progress in US-Iran War Talks
Qatar's foreign ministry said mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman have reached "very progressive stages" in efforts to end the US-Iran war, pushing Brent crude down more than four percent.
Global Affairs
Shehbaz Concludes Saudi, Qatar, Turkiye Diplomatic Tour
Key Takeaways
- 1.Gulf economic or labor commitments could ease Pakistan's external account
- 2.No agreements disclosed yet — outcomes may emerge in follow-up statements
April 23, 2026 · 1 min read · By Rishabh Bhardwaj
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AI-assisted, human-reviewed · Our editorial standards
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day tri-nation diplomatic tour spanning Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, returning from Antalya on Saturday. The Prime Minister's Office framed the visits around strengthening bilateral ties, Pakistan's role in regional peace, and engagement on the evolving global situation. The tour opened on April 15 with a two-hour meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signaling the priority Islamabad places on its Gulf relationships. Sharif also attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, where he met with additional world leaders beyond the three bilateral hosts. The delegation included Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, indicating the visits carried both diplomatic and communications weight. No specific agreements or deliverables were disclosed in the PMO statement. The practical outcomes of the Gulf leg, particularly any economic, energy, or labor-related commitments with Riyadh and Doha, will determine whether this tour translates into tangible policy movement for Pakistan's stressed external accounts.
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