Shehbaz Arrives in Doha After Former Qatari Emir’s Death

News Desk

Doha: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Monday to personally convey Pakistan’s condolences following the death of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a global economic and diplomatic force.

The prime minister is accompanied by PML-N President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The Pakistani delegation was received at Doha Airport 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 to extend condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Qatari leadership, the royal family and the nation.

The visit comes after Pakistan observed a day of national mourning in honour of the late former emir. National flags flew at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect following the prime minister’s announcement on Sunday.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Shehbaz described Sheikh Hamad as “a great leader and statesman” whose vision and commitment to public service transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and internationally respected country.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday at the age of 74, according to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan.

He ruled Qatar from 1995 until voluntarily handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in June 2013. 

During his tenure, Qatar emerged as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, expanded its global investment footprint, and became a key player in regional diplomacy and international media despite its relatively small population of around 2.5 million.