PM Shehbaz departs for Qatar to offer condolences on former Emir Sheikh Hamad's passing

PM Shehbaz Sharif departed for a one-day visit to Qatar to offer condolences following the death of the country's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz will meet Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to personally convey condolences on behalf of Pakistan.

Former PM Nawaz Sharif, deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, are also part of the delegation.

The PMO said the visit reflects the decades-long fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Pakistan has also observed a day of national mourning, with the national flag flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late Qatari leader.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday at the age of 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan announced. He ruled the Gulf nation from 1995 until voluntarily handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in 2013.

Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad oversaw the country's emergence as a global energy, investment and diplomatic powerhouse. During his tenure, Qatar became a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, launched the Al Jazeera television network and secured hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, significantly raising its international profile.