Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
- Sheikh Hamad, who led Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect in transforming the country into a major regional player.
- Qatar’s government announced funeral prayers and several days of public mourning with flags flown at half mast.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja expressed profound grief over the passing of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who led Qatar from 1995 to 2013. In a statement released on Sunday, Ms Khawaja said: 'We express our deepest condolences and extend our sympathies to the people of Qatar.'
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also extended heartfelt condolences to Qatar’s leadership and people, stating that his thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
Qatar's government announced funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening along with several days of public mourning across the country. Government offices and public institutions will be closed, and flags will be flown at half mast in honor of Sheikh Hamad.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was a key figure in Qatar’s development during his reign from 1995 to 2013. He led the country through a period of rapid economic growth and transformed it into a major player on both regional and international stages.
According to official statements, Sheikh Hamad took power in June 1995 after overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup while he was abroad. Upon inheriting a small, largely marginal emirate with nearly empty coffers, he laid the foundations for Qatar’s rapid development.
During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad is credited with transforming Qatar into one of the world's leading producers and exporters of liquefied natural gas. His leadership also saw significant investments and international partnerships that contributed to the country's economic growth.
The former Emir was seen as a key architect in modernizing Qatar, making it a major player on both regional and global stages. His passing marks an end to an era of rapid development and transformation for the small but resource-rich nation.
We express our deepest condolences and extend our sympathies to the people of Qatar.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication
My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate
