
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif visited Doha on Monday to offer condolences over the death of former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Pakistani delegation conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. The visit reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar during a period of national mourning.
Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior officials. The delegation met Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and expressed heartfelt sympathies on the passing of the Father Emir. The prime minister praised Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership and his lasting contributions to Qatar’s development, regional peace, and stability.
Read more: PM Shehbaz visits Qatar to offer condolences
The prime minister also recalled the late leader’s longstanding friendship with Pakistan and his memorable visits to the country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Qatari leadership and people during their time of grief. Sheikh Tamim thanked the Pakistani delegation for travelling to Doha in person, describing the visit as a reflection of the deep-rooted brotherly relationship between the two nations.
Doha: 13 July, 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook a day-long visit to Doha today, to personally convey condolences on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, to the leadership and people of the State of Qatar on the passing away of His Highness the… pic.twitter.com/N5uF4eoP7g
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 13, 2026
Earlier, the Pakistani delegation was received at Doha Airport by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani. A day earlier, the Government of Pakistan announced a nationwide day of mourning, with the national flag flown at half-mast in honour of the late former emir.
Read more: PM Shehbaz, Qatar leader discuss regional peace efforts
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at the age of 74 after transforming Qatar into a major regional and global power during his rule from 1995 to 2013. He oversaw the country’s rapid economic growth, expanded its international influence, and laid the foundation for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup before peacefully transferring power to Sheikh Tamim in 2013.