Islamabad/Doha – Pakistan has reportedly begun preparations to provide Qatar with offensive military equipment following Doha’s request for urgent support in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on the Qatari capital. Sources familiar with the matter told The Inquirer that Islamabad had “promised everything Qatar desires” to deliver a “bloody nose” to Israel if its aggression continues.
The development comes as Qatar reels from Israeli bombardments that struck residential areas in Doha, killing senior Hamas leaders and sparking global condemnation. The strikes, described by regional powers as a “brazen violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, have further inflamed tensions across the Middle East.
Diplomatic and defense insiders say discussions are already underway within Pakistan’s security establishment to fast-track the supply of critical offensive hardware. While officials have not disclosed the type of equipment being considered, preparations are said to be “active and ongoing.”
The reported move by Islamabad has drawn support from other regional players. Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have all conveyed readiness to provide Qatar with resources needed to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Analysts suggest that such backing could shift Qatar’s traditionally limited defense posture into a frontline role against Israeli military operations.
Qatar has yet to publicly confirm the specifics of its defense requests but has vowed not to tolerate “reckless Israeli behavior.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that the safety of Qataris and foreign residents remains the government’s top priority, while diplomatic channels continue to seek accountability at the international level.
This is also worth noting that only days before the strikes, Pakistan’s top military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), was in Doha for the second round of the Higher Military Cooperation Committee (HMCC), a bilateral platform for defense and security dialogue. During his official visit, Gen. Mirza met Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jassim Mohammad Ahmed Al-Mannal. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides discussed evolving regional security dynamics and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability at the regional and global levels. Gen. Mirza highlighted the “historic brotherly ties” between Pakistan and Qatar and outlined future avenues of cooperation in defense and security within the HMCC framework. Qatar’s civil and military leadership acknowledged Pakistan’s “pivotal and responsible role” in ensuring regional stability and praised the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistan and Qatar already enjoy longstanding defense ties, including military training programs, joint exercises, and strategic cooperation. The HMCC provides a structured mechanism to advance these engagements, building on earlier high-level exchanges such as the 2023 meeting between Qatar’s then Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir in Rawalpindi.
If finalized, Pakistan’s preparations to strengthen Qatar’s defense capabilities would not only enhance Doha’s security but also deepen mutual trust and solidarity among Muslim nations. Analysts note that such cooperation has the potential to transform this moment of crisis into an opportunity for greater unity, reinforcing regional stability through stronger partnerships and collective resolve.
