The Prime Minister (PM) of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has announced that a day of mourning will be observed on July 13 over the death of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Pakistan will observe a national day of mourning on Monday, 13 July, following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
A notification issued by the Cabinet Division said the decision was taken by PM Shehbaz Sharif as a gesture of solidarity and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Qatari royal family, government and citizens.
As part of the observance, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country on Monday.
The government said the day of mourning reflects Pakistan’s support for Qatar during the period of bereavement.
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Former emir of the Gulf nation Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has been declared dead by Qatar, the nation which he ruled from 1995 to 2013, and was known as the architect of modern Qatar.
The Amiri Diwan released a statement on Sunday saying that they were deeply saddened at his passing, and expressing prayers for his mercy and forgiveness.
Sheikh Hamad, in power since June 1995, took over his father’s throne in a bloodless coup.
The country of Qatar experienced incredible economic development during his 18 years in power, as the result of its massive natural gas reserves.
Led by him, the nation was able to become a regional and global player with its small size.
His greatest success was the establishment of Al Jazeera in 1996, which revolutionised news coverage in the Arab world.
Sheikh Hamad was the first monarch in the history of the Arab world to abdicate his throne, and in 2013 he made history by relinquishing the throne to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Pakistan also paid its respects to the late leader. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conveyed condolences to Al Thani family, Emir of Qatar and Qatari people.
He commended the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hamad, attributing significant contributions to Qatar’s development, building cooperation with Pakistan and promoting peace in the region.
The Al Thani family has been in power in Qatar since the mid-19th century and the country became independent from Britain in 1971.
The population today is approximately three million and most of them are expatriate workers.
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