DOHA (Web Desk) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Monday for a one-day official visit to convey Pakistan’s condolences following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership transformed the Gulf nation into a major global economic and diplomatic power.
The prime minister was accompanied by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
Upon arrival at Hamad 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, along with senior Qatari officials.
The visit reflects the close and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Qatar, which have maintained strong cooperation in trade, investment, energy, labour and regional diplomacy.
Following the airport reception, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proceeded to Lusail Palace, where he was scheduled to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During the meeting, the prime minister was expected to extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Emir, the Qatari Royal Family and the people of Qatar over the passing of the country’s former ruler.
Shehbaz Sharif was also expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar during this period of national mourning and express confidence that the historic ties between the two countries would continue to grow under the current leadership.
A day earlier, the prime minister paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership reshaped Qatar into one of the world’s most influential economies.
In his condolence message, Shehbaz Sharif said Sheikh Hamad’s wisdom, foresight and commitment to public service transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.
To honour the late leader and express solidarity with Qatar, the Government of Pakistan declared July 13 as a day of national mourning.
National flags were flown at half-mast across Pakistan, while government institutions observed the official mourning period as a mark of respect for the late Qatari ruler.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, according to an announcement issued by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 until voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad oversaw sweeping political, economic and social reforms that transformed Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest countries.
Under his leadership, Qatar expanded its liquefied natural gas industry, making it the world’s leading LNG exporter and significantly increasing its influence in global energy markets.
His government also invested heavily in education, healthcare, infrastructure and international diplomacy, positioning Qatar as a key mediator in regional and international conflicts.
Pakistan and Qatar enjoy deep economic and strategic relations, particularly in the energy sector.
Qatar remains one of Pakistan’s largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas, while hundreds of thousands of Pakistani workers contribute to the Gulf state’s economy across various industries.
Bilateral cooperation has expanded in recent years through agreements covering investment, defence cooperation, labour welfare, trade and infrastructure development.
Officials from both countries have repeatedly expressed their commitment to strengthening these partnerships through regular high-level exchanges and diplomatic engagement.
Political analysts believe Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit carries both symbolic and diplomatic significance, demonstrating Pakistan’s respect for Qatar’s leadership and its desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
The visit also comes at a time when both countries are working to expand collaboration in energy security, investment opportunities and regional peace initiatives.
Government officials said Pakistan values its longstanding friendship with Qatar and remains committed to enhancing cooperation across all sectors.
The prime minister’s visit is expected to reinforce the close partnership between Islamabad and Doha while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Qatar during a period of national mourning following the passing of one of the Gulf region’s most influential leaders.
