PM Shehbaz departs for one-day visit to Qatar to condole death of ex-emir Sheikh Hamad

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on a one-day visit to Qatar to extend condolences following the passing of the former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced that PML-N President Nawaz Sharif is accompanying the premier on this trip.

During his visit, the prime minister is scheduled to meet with the current emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey sympathies. The PMO highlighted that this visit reflects the enduring, decades-long fraternal ties between the Qatari royal family, the Qatari people, and the government and people of Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar are also part of the delegation.

Qatar announced the death of Sheikh Hamad, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, on Sunday. He was 74 and is widely credited as a principal architect of modern Qatar, overseeing a period of significant economic growth and transformation. In Pakistan, a day of mourning has been declared, with the national flag flying at half-mast across the country.

Beyond the condolences, it is anticipated that Prime Minister Sharif will use the opportunity to discuss the recent exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran. These escalating tensions have reportedly stalled peace efforts by mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, pushing them back to their starting point.