DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar on Monday for a one-day visit to express Pakistan’s condolences following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The prime minister is accompanied by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
At Hamad International Airport, the Pakistani delegation was welcomed by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace. He will convey condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan to the Emir, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of Qatar over the passing of the former ruler.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a visionary leader and distinguished statesman whose leadership played a pivotal role in transforming Qatar into a prosperous, modern, and internationally influential nation.
As a mark of respect and solidarity with Qatar, the prime minister declared July 13, 2026, a national day of mourning in Pakistan. National flags were ordered to fly at half-mast across the country in honour of the late former emir.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, according to an announcement by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan on Sunday.
He led Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who continues to serve as the country’s emir.
During Sheikh Hamad’s tenure, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas and significantly expanded its global diplomatic influence, investment portfolio, and international media presence despite its relatively small population of more than 2.5 million people.
