PM Shehbaz visits Doha to mourn Qatar’s former Emir

Qatar – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Shehbaz Doha visit Qatar took place on Monday, as the prime minister travelled to the Gulf state for a one-day trip. His purpose was simple but important. He came to share Pakistan’s sorrow with Qatar’s leaders after the death of the country’s former Emir.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away at the age of 74. Qatar’s top government body, the Amiri Diwan, shared the sad news on Sunday. He had ruled Qatar for eighteen years, from 1995 to 2013.

PM Shehbaz did not travel alone. He was joined by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Together, they formed a strong delegation to honour the late leader.

When the group landed at Doha Airport, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed them. This warm reception showed the close bond between the two nations.

From the airport, PM Shehbaz headed straight to Lusail Palace. There, he planned to meet Qatar’s current ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His goal was to pass on heartfelt condolences on behalf of Pakistan.

A day earlier, PM Shehbaz had already shared his feelings online. He called the late Emir a great leader and a wise statesman. He said Sheikh Hamad had turned Qatar into a modern and respected nation.

Pakistan also took a bigger step to show its grief. The government declared July 13 a national day of mourning. Flags across the country flew at half-mast to honour the fallen leader.

Doha: 13 July 2026.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, arrived in Doha on a one-day visit to the State of Qatar.

Upon arrival at Doha Airport, the Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the… pic.twitter.com/tfv9mPFt1E

— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) July 13, 2026

This gesture matters a lot in diplomacy. It tells the Qatari people that Pakistan shares their pain during this hard time. Such actions often strengthen ties between friendly countries.

Sheikh Hamad’s legacy runs deep. He handed power to his son Sheikh Tamim back in 2013. This was a rare and peaceful move among Gulf rulers, and it set an example for smooth leadership change.

Qatar itself is a small nation. It has just over 2.5 million people. Yet it holds massive global weight. It remains the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas. It also plays a key role in Middle East peace talks and owns major stakes in global media outlets.

Under Sheikh Hamad’s rule, Qatar grew fast. He launched Al Jazeera, which became a leading name in world news. He also helped Qatar win the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, putting the small nation on the world stage.

The friendship between Pakistan and Qatar goes back many decades. Both nations have supported each other through good times and bad. This visit adds another chapter to that long story.

Many world leaders have also sent their condolences. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Egypt’s President El Sisi both shared kind words for the late Emir. Oman’s Sultan also sent a message of sympathy.

As Qatar mourns, Pakistan stands beside it. The Shehbaz Doha visit Qatar shows that bond clearly. It’s a reminder that true friendship shows up during hard moments, not just happy ones.