Qatar’s former emir, who revolutionised Qatar out of its Bedouin background to a regional powerhouse, has died at the age of 74, the nation’s Amiri Diwan, its top government body, said on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before abdicating to his son Sheikh Tamim, the current leader of the gas-rich Gulf country.
“The Amiri Diwan announced the death of HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the Diwan said.
Sheikh Hamad had elevated Qatar’s global profile through the development of the Al Jazeera television network, as well as its successful bid to host the 2022 soccer World Cup tournament.
The US-allied state is small, with more than 2.5 million people, but is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a global investment powerhouse and heavy hitter in Middle East diplomacy and international media.
Sheikh Hamad handed power to his son, the then crown prince, in June 2013 in a rare abdication by a hereditary Gulf Arab ruler, to try to ensure a smooth succession. He himself had overthrown his father in a bloodless coup in 1995.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief over the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of the State of Qatar.
President Asif Ali Zardari in his statement extended his heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government and the brotherly people of Qatar on this sad occasion. He paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s visionary leadership and his valuable contributions to the progress and development of Qatar, as well as to regional peace and cooperation.
President Asif Ali Zardari prayed that Allah Almighty may grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give strength and patience to the bereaved family and the people of Qatar to bear this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharif says he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Former Amir of the State of Qatar.
In a statement issued on X, PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote “The Father Amir, late Sheikh Hamad was a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service, transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation. His enduring contributions to the welfare of his nation and its people, as well as to regional peace, development and international cooperation, will be remembered for generations to come”.
PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote “On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to my Dear Brother the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the distinguished members of the Al Thani family, the Government, as well as the brotherly people of Qatar on this solemn occasion. We stand in solidarity with them in this moment of profound grief”.
PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote “We will always cherish the Father Amir’s warmth, kindness and deep affection for Pakistan, as well as the fond memories of his many visits to our country. May Allah Almighty grant the departed Father Amir, the highest place in Jannat ul Firdaus, and May He shower His blessings upon the Royal Family and our Qatari brothers and sisters to bear this irreparable loss with strength, patience and fortitude. Ameen”.
Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a statement issued on X said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of the State of Qatar. Ishaq Dar wrote”During his reign, he played a pivotal role in Qatar’s modern development and in strengthening the bonds of friendship with Pakistan. His visionary leadership and contributions to regional peace will be long remembered”.
Ishaq Dar wrote”On behalf of the people, Government of Pakistan and myself, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Al Thani family, the Emir, the Government and the people of Qatar. May Allah Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give the bereaved family strength to bear this loss. Ameen”.