ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is observing a day of national mourning on Monday following the death of Qatar's Father Emir and former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with the national flag flying at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared July 13 a day of national mourning "in expression of fraternal solidarity on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan with the Royal Family, Government and people of Qatar," according to a Cabinet Division notification. The notification also directed that the national flag fly at half-mast throughout the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over Sheikh Hamad's passing and conveyed heartfelt condolences to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government and the brotherly people of Qatar.
The president paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad's "visionary leadership" and his "valuable contributions to the progress and development of Qatar, as well as to regional peace and cooperation." He also prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and give patience and strength to the bereaved family and the people of Qatar.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani described Sheikh Hamad as a leader who played a "historic role" in advancing Qatar's progress, prosperity and international standing. He said Qatar achieved remarkable economic, social and cultural development under Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership and credited him with making significant contributions to regional stability, international dialogue and cooperation.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry described Sheikh Hamad as "a visionary statesman, an outstanding leader and a close friend of Pakistan." He said the late leader's dedication to Qatar's development and his "lasting contributions to peace, stability and prosperity would be remembered for generations."
"Pakistan stands in solidarity with the brotherly nation of Qatar during this difficult time and shares the grief of its leadership and people," the minister said.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also expressed profound grief, describing Sheikh Hamad as "a visionary leader" whose role in laying the foundation of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Qatar "will always be remembered."
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday at the age of 74. He served as Qatar's emir from 1995 to 2013, when he became the first ruler in the Gulf in modern times to voluntarily transfer power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad transformed the country into one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanded its global diplomatic influence and championed investments in education, infrastructure and international media. During his reign, Qatar launched Al Jazeera, secured hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and emerged as a key mediator in regional and international conflicts.
His tenure also marked a significant expansion in Pakistan-Qatar relations, particularly in energy, investment, labor and defense cooperation. Pakistani leaders have consistently credited Sheikh Hamad with laying the foundations of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
