Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Qatar on Monday for a one-day visit to offer condolences on the passing of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
According to an initial statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PML-N President Nawaz Sharif is accompanying the prime minister during the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, are also part of the Pakistani delegation.
Following PM Shehbaz’s arrival at Doha airport, the PMO said the delegation was received by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani.
The prime minister is scheduled to meet Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the son of the late Sheikh Hamad, at Lusail Palace. During the meeting, PM Shehbaz will convey Pakistan’s condolences to the Qatari emir, the royal family and the people of Qatar over the former ruler’s demise.
The PMO said the visit reflects the longstanding fraternal ties between the Qatari royal family, the people of Qatar, and the government and people of Pakistan, underscoring the close relationship shared by the two countries.
Qatar announced on Sunday that its former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, had passed away at the age of 74. He ruled the Gulf state from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited as one of the chief architects of modern Qatar, overseeing a period of rapid economic growth and national transformation during his tenure.
In response to his passing, Pakistan has declared a day of mourning on Monday. A notification issued by the Cabinet Division and shared by the PMO said the national flag would remain at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is also expected to discuss the latest escalation between the United States and Iran, following a fresh exchange of attacks that has dealt a setback to mediation efforts led by Pakistan and Qatar to ease regional tensions.