https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday departed for Qatar on a one-day official visit to offer condolences on the passing of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, reflecting the close and longstanding ties between Pakistan and Qatar.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is accompanying the prime minister during the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar are also part of the delegation.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and personally convey condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan over the demise of the former Qatari ruler.
The PMO said the visit underscores the decades-old fraternal relationship between the leadership and people of Pakistan and Qatar and reaffirms Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. He served as Qatar’s Emir from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into a major regional and global economic and diplomatic player through ambitious development and modernization initiatives.
Following the announcement of his death, the Government of Pakistan declared Monday as a national day of mourning. The national flag is being flown at half-mast across the country in accordance with a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
The visit also comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East following renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran. Diplomatic observers expect regional security and ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to feature in discussions during the visit.
Pakistan and Qatar have maintained close diplomatic coordination in recent months, particularly regarding regional peace initiatives and efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East.
