PM Shehbaz Reaches Doha to Offer Condolences Over Ex-Qatar Emir’s Death

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Monday for a daylong visit to offer condolences to Qatar’s leadership following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

He 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 will meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace. He will convey Pakistan’s condolences to the Emir, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of Qatar over the passing of the former ruler.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow over Sheikh Hamad’s death, calling him “a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service, transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.”

To show solidarity with Qatar, the Government of Pakistan declared July 13, 2026, a day of national mourning. National flags are being flown at half-mast across the country.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, according to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan. He ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he stepped down and handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar. He is remembered for leading Qatar’s rapid development and strengthening its role on the global stage.