ISLAMABAD/DOHA (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a one-day official visit to Qatar on Monday to offer condolences to the Qatari leadership following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, one of the principal architects of modern Qatar.
According to sources in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Shehbaz will meet Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other senior officials, will accompany him.
Diplomatic sources said discussions are also expected to cover the rapidly evolving regional situation, particularly the recent exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran, which has complicated ongoing mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar.
The visit comes as Pakistan announced a National Day of Mourning on July 13 to honor the late Qatari leader. A notification issued by the Cabinet Division stated that national flags would fly at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect and solidarity with the government and people of Qatar.
The Government of Pakistan expressed profound grief over Sheikh Hamad’s passing and extended condolences to the Al Thani family, the Emir of Qatar and the Qatari people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary statesman whose wisdom and dedication transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.
“His enduring contributions to the welfare of his nation and people, as well as to regional peace, development and international cooperation, will be remembered for generations,” the prime minister said in a message posted on X.
He also recalled Sheikh Hamad’s warmth, affection and longstanding friendship toward Pakistan, noting that his numerous visits to Pakistan would always be remembered.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the late leader’s visionary leadership and contributions to Qatar’s progress, as well as his role in promoting regional peace and cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Sheikh Hamad played a decisive role in Qatar’s modern development and in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar.
Qatar’s government announced the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Sunday. He was 74 years old.
In an official statement, the Amiri Diwan expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the “Father Emir,” describing his death as a great loss for the nation. Funeral prayers were held on Sunday evening, while several days of official mourning were declared across Qatar, with public institutions closed and flags lowered to half-mast.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013 and is widely regarded as the architect of the country’s modern transformation.
He came to power in June 1995 through a bloodless transition and inherited a small Gulf state with limited influence on the international stage. Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as a major regional and global player.
Despite its relatively small geographical size, Qatar possesses one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. During Sheikh Hamad’s tenure, the country developed into a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), generating immense wealth and transforming the national economy.
His government pursued ambitious modernization policies, infrastructure development and international partnerships that helped make Qatar one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of per capita income.
One of his most influential decisions was the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, which grew into one of the most prominent international news networks.
He also established the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which invested billions of dollars in major international assets and corporations, including Volkswagen, Harrods and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club.
Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Qatar successfully secured hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement that elevated the country’s international profile.
He also supported major humanitarian and development initiatives, including infrastructure and health projects in Gaza.
In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad made history by voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking one of the first peaceful and voluntary successions in the modern Arab world.
Pakistan and Qatar maintain close diplomatic, economic and brotherly relations, with cooperation spanning energy, investment, trade and labor sectors. Observers say Pakistan’s decision to observe a national day of mourning reflects the depth of bilateral ties and the respect Sheikh Hamad enjoyed in Pakistan.
As regional tensions continue to rise, Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit is also expected to reaffirm the two countries’ commitment to regional peace, stability and continued diplomatic engagement.
