DOHA: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar on Monday for a one-day visit to convey Pakistan’s condolences following the death of the country’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership transformed the Gulf state into a major global economic and diplomatic force.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was accompanied by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
Upon arrival at Doha International Airport, the Pakistani delegation was received by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani.
Doha: 13 July 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, arrived in Doha on a one-day visit to the State of Qatar.
Upon arrival at Doha Airport, the Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the… pic.twitter.com/tfv9mPFt1E
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 13, 2026
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace. He will personally convey condolences to the Emir, the Qatari Royal Family and the people of Qatar on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan over the passing of the former ruler.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit reflects the close and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Qatar, while reaffirming Islamabad’s solidarity with the Gulf nation during a period of national mourning.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as an exceptional leader and visionary statesman whose wisdom and commitment to public service helped transform Qatar into a modern, prosperous and internationally respected nation.
In a gesture of solidarity, the prime minister declared 13 July 2026 a day of national mourning across Pakistan. National flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the country to honour the late Qatari leader.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, Qatar’s Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
He came to power in 1995 and ruled Qatar until 2013, when he voluntarily transferred authority to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare and peaceful succession within the Gulf region.
During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar’s emergence as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, expanded its global investment portfolio and elevated the country’s influence in regional diplomacy and international affairs.
Despite its relatively small population of around 2.5 million, Qatar has become a significant player in global energy markets and Middle Eastern diplomacy, a transformation widely attributed to Sheikh Hamad’s leadership.
