Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a day-long visit to Doha on Monday to personally convey condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan over the passing of Qatar’s Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The prime minister was accompanied by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other senior officials.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz and the Pakistani delegation called on Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and expressed their heartfelt condolences on the demise of the Father Emir.

The prime minister paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership, statesmanship and lasting contributions to Qatar’s transformation, as well as to regional peace, stability and development.

Recalling the late leader’s longstanding ties with Pakistan, PM Shehbaz praised his warmth, kindness and enduring affection for the country, noting his many memorable visits over the years.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar during their time of grief and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus while giving strength to the royal family and the people of Qatar to bear the loss.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim thanked PM Shehbaz, Nawaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and the accompanying delegation for travelling to Doha to offer condolences in person.

He described the gesture as a reflection of the deep-rooted fraternal ties and longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz, in a statement, expressed grief over the demise of the former Qatari emir, remembering him as “a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and dedication to public service transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation.”

To express solidarity on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan with the royal family, Government, and people of Qatar on this sad demise, the prime minister declared July 13 as a day of national mourning in Pakistan, with the national flag flying at half-mast throughout the country.