- Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until he handed power to his son in 2013.
- The late emir turned Qatar into a global diplomatic and energy powerhouse.
- Sheikh Hamad boosted Qatar’s profile through Al Jazeera, Fifa World Cup.
Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Than, has died at the age of 74, the country’s Amiri Diwan, its highest governing body, 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 HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Sunday morning. May Allah have mercy on his soul and give him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the Diwan said.
Sheikh Hamad had raised Qatar’s global profile through the development of Al Jazeera television network, as well as its successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Qatar is a small state of more than 2.5 million people, but is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, a global investment powerhouse and a juggernaut in Middle East diplomacy and international media.
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 deep sorrow over the passing of the former Qatari Emir, and condoled with Qatar’s leadership and people.
In a post on X, Dar said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the former emir’s death.
He said that Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in Qatar’s modern development during his reign and helped strengthen the ties of friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.
Dar also praised the late leader’s visionary leadership and contribution to regional peace, saying they would be remembered for many years to come.
“On behalf of the people, the government of Pakistan and myself, I express my heartfelt 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 departed soul the highest place in Jannah and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
