Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Monday for a one-day visit to express condolences to Qatar’s leadership following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He was accompanied by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
Upon arrival at Doha 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. Following the reception, Prime Minister Shehbaz proceeded to Lusail Palace to meet with the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During this significant meeting, the prime minister conveyed his sincere condolences to the Emir, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of Qatar on the passing of the former Emir. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at age 74, as announced by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the highest government authority.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz had expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose wisdom and dedication transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous, and globally respected nation. To honor his memory and express solidarity with Qatar, the prime minister declared July 13, 2026, a national day of mourning in Pakistan, with flags flown at half-mast across the country.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he abdicated in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim, the current Emir. Qatar, though a small nation with a population exceeding 2.5 million, is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and a major player in global investment, Middle Eastern diplomacy, and international media.
Sheikh Hamad’s decision to transfer power to his son in June 2013 marked a significant transition in Qatar’s leadership, continuing the legacy of a gas-rich Gulf state with considerable influence on the world stage.
