MURREE (Web Desk) – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned to his residence in Changla Gali on Sunday after completing a one-day official visit to Qatar, where he joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in expressing condolences over the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
According to party and official sources, Nawaz Sharif arrived in Islamabad after the conclusion of the visit and later travelled by road through the Islamabad Expressway to his residence in the Galyat region. The former prime minister had been staying in Changla Gali for several days before briefly leaving to accompany the prime minister on the diplomatic mission.
The visit to Qatar was undertaken to convey Pakistan’s sympathies to the Qatari leadership and people following the passing of the country’s former ruler, who played a key role in transforming Qatar into one of the Middle East’s leading economic and diplomatic powers.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace. The Pakistani delegation expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, reaffirming the close and longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, reflecting the importance Islamabad attached to the visit.
Officials said the meeting with the Qatari leadership focused primarily on expressing solidarity during a period of national mourning. However, both sides also reviewed the strong bilateral relationship and discussed continuing cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, labour and regional stability.
Pakistan and Qatar enjoy close diplomatic relations spanning several decades. Qatar is home to a large Pakistani expatriate community that contributes significantly to the country’s economy through remittances while supporting various sectors of the Gulf state’s workforce.
In recent years, bilateral cooperation has expanded beyond labour and trade to include energy partnerships, investment opportunities and collaboration in infrastructure development. Qatar remains one of Pakistan’s major suppliers of liquefied natural gas, playing an important role in helping meet the country’s energy requirements.
Officials said Pakistan remains committed to strengthening ties with Qatar through regular high-level exchanges and increased economic engagement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier declared a national day of mourning in Pakistan following the death of the former Emir. National flags were flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the late leader.
In his condolence message, the prime minister described Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into a prosperous, modern and globally respected nation. He also praised the former Emir’s contributions to regional diplomacy and international cooperation.
The visit by Pakistan’s top political leadership was viewed as another demonstration of the strong relationship between Islamabad and Doha, built on mutual trust, shared interests and regular diplomatic engagement.
Political observers noted that Nawaz Sharif’s participation alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance Pakistan attached to maintaining close ties with Qatar, a country that has frequently supported Pakistan during economic and diplomatic challenges.
Following the completion of official engagements in Doha, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan the same day. After landing in Islamabad, he travelled directly to Changla Gali, where he is expected to continue his stay for the coming days.
Sources close to the PML-N said the former prime minister is spending time in the hill station for rest and private meetings before returning to regular political activities.
The one-day visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with friendly Gulf countries while continuing to engage regional partners through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. Officials expressed confidence that the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Qatar would continue to deepen through future collaboration across multiple sectors.
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