- Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until he handed power to his son in 2013.
- The late emir transformed Qatar into a global diplomatic and energy power.
- Sheikh Hamad boosted Qatar’s profile through Al Jazeera, the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Than has died at the age of 74, the country’s top government body Amiri Diwan said on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, before abdicating to his son Sheikh Tamim, the current leader of the gas-rich Gulf country.
“The Amiri Diwan announced the death of His Highness Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and his nation,” the Diwan said.
Sheikh Hamad had raised Qatar’s global profile by developing the Al Jazeera television network, as well as its successful bid to host the 2022 Soccer World Cup.
Qatar is a small state with more than 2.5 million inhabitants, but it is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a global investment power and a great weight in diplomacy and international media in the Middle East.
Sheikh Hamad handed over power to his son, the then crown prince, in June 2013.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the former Emir of Qatar and expressed his condolences to the leadership and people of Qatar.
In a post on X, Dar said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the former emir’s death.
He said Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in the modern development of Qatar during his reign and helped strengthen the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.
Dar also praised the late leader’s visionary leadership and contributions to regional peace, saying they will be remembered for years to come.
“On behalf of the people, the Government of Pakistan and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to the Al Thani family, the Emir, the Government and the people of Qatar,” he wrote.
The deputy prime minister prayed that Allah Almighty grant the soul of the deceased the highest place in Jannah and give the bereaved family strength to bear the loss.
