PM Shehbaz meets Qatar emir in Doha, conveys condolences over former emir’s death

DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a day-long visit to Doha on Monday and conveyed condolences on the death of former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister was accompanied by PML-N President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The PMO said Shehbaz conveyed heartfelt condolences over Sheikh Hamad’s death and paid tribute to the late father emir’s leadership, statesmanship and long-term contribution to Qatar’s transformation, as well as to peace, stability and development in the region.

The statement said the prime minister also recalled with appreciation Sheikh Hamad’s warmth, kindness and enduring affection for Pakistan, along with his many visits to the country over the years.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Qatari leadership and people during the mourning period and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and give strength to the royal family and the people of Qatar to bear the loss.

The Qatari emir thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz, Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and the accompanying delegation for travelling to Doha in person to offer condolences, describing the visit as a reflection of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries and their peoples, according to the PMO.

National mourning in Pakistan

To express solidarity with the royal family, government and people of Qatar, Prime Minister Shehbaz declared July 13, 2026 a day of national mourning in Pakistan. The national flag flew at half-mast across the country.

Pakistan had announced the mourning day through a Cabinet Division notification shared by the PMO on Sunday.

Former emir’s tenure

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at the age of 74, according to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s top government body. He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before abdicating in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim.

Background information carried in related reports said Sheikh Hamad was regarded as one of the principal architects of modern Qatar and oversaw a period of rapid economic growth and transformation during his tenure.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Doha for the visit to condole the former emir’s death. A related report said 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.