In separate condolence messages, Pakistan’s leadership conveyed heartfelt sympathies to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, members of the royal family, and the people of Qatar over the irreparable loss.
According to the Amiri Diwan, the former Emir passed away on Sunday. In view of his demise, the Qatari government has announced four days of national mourning starting Monday, during which official offices will remain closed and national flags will fly at half-mast across the country.
In his condolence message, PM Shehbaz paid rich tribute to Sheikh Hamad, terming him a visionary statesman whose farsighted leadership transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and internationally influential nation. He said the late Emir’s warmth towards Pakistan and his personal bond with its people would remain etched in memory for years to come.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in his message, said Sheikh Hamad’s contributions to Qatar’s socio-economic uplift were unparalleled, adding that he played a pivotal role in cementing the political, economic and bilateral ties between Islamabad and Doha.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. It was under his stewardship that the tiny Gulf state emerged as one of the world’s foremost exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a development that reshaped its economic fortunes. His era also saw the launch of the Al Jazeera news network in 1996, besides laying the groundwork for Qatar’s historic bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In a move rarely witnessed among Gulf monarchies, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily relinquished power in 2013, handing over the reins to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a smooth and peaceful transition of authority.
Pakistan’s top leadership once again reiterated its solidarity with the government and people of Qatar during this period of national mourning, praying for the eternal peace of the departed leader’s soul.
