Qatar's former emir Hamad bin Khalifa dies

Qatar's government on Sunday announced the death of former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led the country from 1995 to 2013.

"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late -- may God have mercy on him -- His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," read a statement published by the emir's office on social media.

The former leader was seen as one of the key architects of modern Qatar and led the country during a period of rapid economic growth.

Sheikh Hamad took power in June 1995, overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup while the latter was abroad. He inherited a small, largely marginal emirate with nearly empty coffers and transformed it into a major player on the regional and international stage.

During his time in office, the international broadcaster Al Jazeera was launched in 1996, following a decree issued by the emir. In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad surprised many by voluntarily abdicating in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a first in the recent history of the Arab world.

Qatar is one of the smallest Arab states with a population of around 3 million people, most of whom are foreign workers. The country was a British protectorate for 55 years until 1971. It has been ruled by a monarchy, the Al Thani family, since the mid-19th century.

President, PM, FM pay tribute to Qatar's former ruler

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and extended condolences to the country's leadership and people.

President Zardari conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the government of Qatar and the brotherly people of the country. He paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership and his significant contribution to Qatar's progress, development, regional peace and international cooperation. The president also prayed that Allah Almighty grants the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and gives strength and patience to his family and the people of Qatar.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound grief over the former emir's passing, extending condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, as well as personally. In a message shared on X, he offered sympathies to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the members of the Al Thani family, the government and the people of Qatar.

The prime minister described Sheikh Hamad as a great leader and statesman whose wisdom, foresight and commitment to public service transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and internationally respected nation. He said the late leader's contributions to national development, regional peace and global cooperation would be remembered for generations.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan stood in solidarity with Qatar during this period of mourning and recalled Sheikh Hamad's warmth, kindness and affection for Pakistan, as well as his many visits to the country. He prayed that Allah Almighty grants the late Father Amir the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdaus and gives the Royal Family and the people of Qatar strength and patience to bear the loss.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar also expressed his condolences in a message posted on X. He extended sympathies on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Al Thani family, the Emir, the government and the people of Qatar.

Dar said Sheikh Hamad had played a pivotal role in Qatar's modern development during his reign and had significantly strengthened the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Qatar. He added that the late leader's visionary leadership and lasting contributions to regional peace would be remembered for years to come, while praying for the departed soul and for strength for the bereaved family.