Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a day of national mourning on Monday following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with the government expressing solidarity with Qatar’s royal family and people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the observance as a gesture of respect and condolences, according to a notification issued by Pakistan’s Cabinet Division. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country during the mourning period.
The government said the decision reflected Pakistan’s close ties with Qatar and its support for the Gulf nation following the passing of the former ruler.
Qatar announced the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled the country from 1995 until 2013 and played a central role in shaping its modern economic and diplomatic profile.
The Amiri Diwan expressed deep sorrow over his death, offering prayers for his mercy and forgiveness while paying tribute to his contributions to the nation.
Sheikh Hamad came to power in June 1995 after taking control from his father in a bloodless transfer of power. During his 18-year rule, Qatar experienced rapid economic expansion driven by its vast natural gas reserves.
Under his leadership, the small Gulf state emerged as a significant regional and international player, using its energy wealth to strengthen its global influence and develop new diplomatic initiatives.
One of Sheikh Hamad’s most notable achievements was the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, which transformed the Arab media landscape and became one of the region’s most influential news networks.
His reign also marked a historic moment in Arab politics when he became the first monarch in the modern Arab world to voluntarily transfer power. In 2013, he handed over leadership to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The transition reinforced Qatar’s image as a country pursuing institutional continuity while maintaining the influence of the Al Thani ruling family, which has governed Qatar since the mid-19th century.
Pakistan’s leadership also paid tribute to the former emir, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveying condolences to the Al Thani family, Qatar’s current leadership and its people.
Dar praised Sheikh Hamad’s vision and credited him with advancing Qatar’s economic development, strengthening cooperation with Pakistan and supporting regional peace efforts.
Pakistan and Qatar have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations, with cooperation spanning trade, energy, investment and labour ties.
Qatar gained independence from Britain in 1971 and has since developed into a major global energy exporter. The country currently has a population of about three million, a large majority of whom are expatriate workers.
Sheikh Hamad’s tenure transformed Qatar from a relatively small Gulf state into a prominent international actor through energy expansion, strategic diplomacy and global investments.
His legacy remains closely linked to Qatar’s rise as a major liquefied natural gas exporter and its growing role in regional and international affairs.
As Qatar begins a period of mourning, governments across the region and beyond have recognised Sheikh Hamad’s influence in shaping the country’s modern identity.
Read more: Shehbaz Sharif urges dialogue, stability in high-level call with Iran’s president
