PM Shehbaz Sharif travels to Qatar to offer condolences on former emir's death

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Qatar on Monday on a one-day official visit to offer condolences following the death of former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is accompanying him. The visit coincides with a national day of mourning declared across Pakistan.

Why did PM Shehbaz Sharif visit Qatar?

PM Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Qatar to convey condolences on behalf of Pakistan's government and people following the death of former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

He will meet Qatar's current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to deliver the message in person. The trip underlined the longstanding ties between the two countries.

Who accompanied PM Shehbaz Sharif on the Qatar trip?

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is accompanying the premier during the visit, according to Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar are also part of the delegation. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar travelled with the group as well.

During his stay in Doha, Sharif will meet Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and passed on condolences from the Qatari leadership, royal family and people. The Prime Minister's Office said the visit reflects Pakistan and Qatar's longstanding relationship.

Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and was widely regarded as a central figure in its transformation into a major regional and international power. He came to power in June 1995 after a bloodless coup that removed his father while he was abroad. Qatar announced on Sunday that he had died at the age of 74.

During his rule, Qatar expanded its influence through the development of its vast natural gas resources, becoming a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and one of the world's wealthiest countries by GDP per capita. His tenure also saw the 1996 launch of Al Jazeera and the establishment of the Qatar Investment Authority, which invested in major international companies and assets. Qatar secured hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup during his rule.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down in favor of his son, Sheikh Tamim, in a rare voluntary transfer of power in the Arab world.

How did Qatar mark the former emir's death?

Thousands of mourners gathered at Doha's Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab Mosque for funeral prayers before Sheikh Hamad's burial at Lusail Cemetery, north of the capital. The emir's office said it mourned the former ruler's death and announced a period of national mourning. Government offices and public institutions were closed, and flags were lowered to half-staff.

Which world leaders sent condolences?

Condolences were issued by leaders and governments across the Middle East and beyond, including Gulf states, Egypt, Turkey, Italy and Britain's King Charles III. Qatar, a Gulf nation of about 3 million people, most of them foreign workers, has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century.