Islamabad (GNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for a one-day visit to Qatar to convey condolences to the country’s leadership following the death of former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Accompanying the prime minister on the trip are former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
During the visit, PM Sharif is set to meet with Qatar’s current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to personally offer condolences on behalf of Pakistan to him, the royal family, and the people of Qatar.
The visit reflects the long-standing, close relationship between Pakistan and Qatar spanning both the royal family and the wider populations of both nations.
Earlier, on Sunday, PM Sharif issued a statement mourning the former Amir’s passing, describing him as a visionary leader whose foresight and commitment to public service helped transform Qatar into a modern and internationally respected nation. He said the late Amir’s contributions to his country’s development, as well as to regional peace and international cooperation, would be remembered for years to come.
As a gesture of solidarity with Qatar, the prime minister declared July 13, 2026, a day of national mourning across Pakistan, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide.
Funeral Held in Doha
Qatar laid Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to rest on Sunday, following his death at age 74. The former ruler, credited with transforming Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential nations, had his death announced earlier in the day, with funeral prayers held after Maghrib at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. The service was attended by members of the ruling family, senior officials, and mourners from across the country.
Following the prayers, Sheikh Hamad’s body was carried by close family members, including his son and successor, current Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, before burial at Lusail Cemetery north of Doha. In keeping with Islamic tradition, the funeral was conducted simply.
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Sheikh Hamad is remembered in part for his decision in 2013 to voluntarily hand power to his son — a rare and peaceful transition of leadership among hereditary Gulf rulers that ensured continuity in Qatar’s governance.
World leaders have continued to offer tributes, remembering Sheikh Hamad as a transformative statesman whose leadership reshaped Qatar’s economy, diplomatic standing, and global influence, leaving behind a legacy that extends well beyond the region.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
