Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Monday for a one-day visit to offer condolences to Qatar’s leadership following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose leadership is widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic power.
The visit reflects the close and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Qatar, with Islamabad expressing solidarity with the Qatari royal family and its people during their time of mourning.
High-level Pakistani delegation visits Doha
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes 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 their 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.
Meeting with the Emir of Qatar
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to travel to Lusail Palace, where he will meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier will personally convey Pakistan’s heartfelt condolences to the Emir, the Qatari royal family and the people of Qatar over the passing of the country’s former ruler.
The visit underscores the importance Islamabad attaches to its diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Doha.
Pakistan observes national day of mourning
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as “a great leader and statesman” whose vision, wisdom and commitment to public service transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and internationally respected nation.
To honour the late leader and express solidarity with Qatar, the Government of Pakistan declared July 13, 2026, a day of national mourning, with the national flag flown at half-mast across the country.
The gesture reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Qatar, which have maintained close cooperation in trade, investment, energy, labour and regional diplomacy.
Sheikh Hamad’s legacy
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74, according to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s highest government body.
He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing a period of rapid economic growth, infrastructure development and expanding international influence. During his tenure, Qatar emerged as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), strengthened its role in regional diplomacy and significantly increased its global investment portfolio.
In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who has since continued to lead the Gulf nation.
Enduring Pakistan-Qatar relations
Pakistan and Qatar enjoy strong diplomatic and economic ties, with thousands of Pakistanis living and working in the Gulf state. Qatar is also an important economic partner for Pakistan, particularly in the energy sector through long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) agreements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit highlights the importance both countries attach to their enduring partnership and reaffirms Pakistan’s support and solidarity with Qatar during this period of national grief.
