Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Muhammad Aamer speaking to the gathering during the event.
Doha, Qatar: The Pakistani community in Qatar gathered yesterday to pay tribute to the late Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, remembering his transformative leadership, his enduring friendship with Pakistan, and his pivotal role in shaping modern Qatar.
The condolence and tribute gathering, held at TNG Al Wakra Campus in coordination with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, brought together community leaders, professionals, business representatives and dignitaries to honour the Father Amir, who passed away on July 12 at the age of 74.
The event celebrated the legacy of Sheikh Hamad, widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar. Speakers highlighted how, during his 18-year reign from 1995 to 2013, he transformed Qatar into a leading global player in energy, diplomacy, media, education and international investment while placing people at the centre of national development.
Participants recalled that under his leadership Qatar witnessed remarkable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure and public services, laying the foundations for a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the country’s regional and international standing.
The gathering also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Qatar. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1973 and have since grown into a strong partnership founded on shared Islamic values, mutual respect and close cooperation.
Speakers noted that the Father Amir consistently acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s development. Today, nearly 300,000 Pakistanis living in Qatar continue to play an important role across various sectors, including construction, engineering, energy, business and professional services, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and infrastructure development.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar H E Muhammad Aamer, who presided over the gathering, described the passing of the Father Amir as a profound loss for Qatar and for all those who witnessed his extraordinary leadership. He said Sheikh Hamad’s wisdom, courage and foresight transformed Qatar, laying the foundations for the country’s prosperity, global stature and sustainable progress. He noted that the Father Amir’s legacy lives on through the institutions he established, the generations he empowered and the international respect Qatar enjoys today.
On behalf of the people of Pakistan, the ambassador extended heartfelt condolences to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family and the people of Qatar, praying that Allah Almighty grants the late Father Amir the highest place in Jannah.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and Qatar. Attendees observed a moment of silence and offered prayers for the late Father Amir before watching a commemorative video showcasing key milestones of his life, achievements and his close ties with Pakistan. The event was moderated by MahnoorBalooch and featured tributes from representatives of several Pakistani community organisations. Speakers included Abdul Razzak Sheikh of QSindhi, Rana Aawar Ali, Chairman of SohniDharti, Ghazala Zaman of the IBA Forum, Hamid Rasool, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineers Forum, IsrarMalazai, President of the Pakistan Business Council Qatar, Fawad Rana, Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council Qatar, and Said Gul, Founder Executive Council member of the Pakistan Welfare Forum.
Each speaker reflected on Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership and the lasting impact of his policies on Qatar’s remarkable transformation.
During the ceremony, BadarSohail Khan delivered a pledge on behalf of the Pakistani community, reaffirming its commitment to continue contributing to Qatar’s development under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.
Mohsin Qureshi, Community Welfare Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the embassy, community organisations and participants for coming together to honour the memory of a visionary leader.
