QUETTA (Kashmir English): The federal government has declared a day of national mourning on July 13 (Monday) on the death of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, and the national flag will fly at half-mast.
A notification issued by the Cabinet Division of the federal government said that as a sign of solidarity between the government and the people of Pakistan with the royal family and people of Qatar, the Prime Minister has declared Monday, July 13, 2026, as a day of national mourning in Pakistan on the death of the Emir’s father and former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The notification said that on July 13, 2026, the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country.
After the news of the death of the former Emir was released by Qatar, a series of condolence messages have been sent from all over the world. Details regarding his funeral prayer and burial have not yet been revealed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Qatar tomorrow and express condolences to the Qatari leadership on the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passes away
The former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as the father of the modern state of Qatar, died yesterday at 74 years old. His death was announced by the Amiri Diwan of Qatar this morning (Sunday).
“The Emiri Diwan conveys its deep sorrow at losing the Amir, who was the ‘father’ of our nation… Mourners will express their grief and sadness through faith in the will of Allah,” the statement read. It also said prayers would be offered for his soul. Sheikh Hamad served as Qatar’s ruler from 1995 until he abdicated in favor of his son Tamim in 2013.
During his rule, Qatar underwent one of the most amazing transitions ever seen in the Gulf region. The oil-rich emirate emerged as a world power thanks to its massive stores of natural gas, bolstered its diplomatic standing on the world stage, and became a huge investor in many countries across the globe.
Among many other accomplishments, he also played a pivotal role in establishing Al Jazeera, one of the world’s top news networks today, and laid the groundwork for Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad set a precedent among leaders of Gulf states by voluntarily stepping down from office and handing over power to his son – current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
