Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Qatar has reiterated its support for efforts to ease tensions between India and Pakistan, calling for dialogue and diplomacy to help maintain regional stability.

The message was conveyed during a phone call on Monday between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

“The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s full support for all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India and resolving outstanding issues between the two countries through dialogue and peaceful means,” read a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

India-Pakistan: Deteriorating relations

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack in Pahalgam on the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people dead and 20 others injured.

The attack, which reportedly targeted tourists, has been blamed on militants linked to Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent investigation.

In response to the attack, India suspended the decades-old river water-sharing treaty, halted visa issuance for Pakistani nationals, and expelled Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian carriers and suspending bilateral trade.

The two South Asian neighbours have exchanged fire in border skirmishes along the Line of Control, the de facto boundary dividing Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The April 22 attack also led to a crackdown in Indian-administered Kashmir, with authorities demolishing homes of suspected militants and detaining nearly 2,000 people.