Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain, who was in Doha on an official visit, conveyed his condolences on the death of HH the Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday.
Calling off all his engagements for the last day of his two-day visit, President Hussain joined HH the Emir and HH the Father Emir to offer funeral prayers of HH the Grandfather Emir at Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Mosque.
In his condolence message, President Hussain said he was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of HH Sheikh Khalifa.
“His demise is indeed heartbreaking but we have to submit to the will of Allah Almighty. On behalf of the government, the people of Pakistan and on my personal behalf I extend my heartfelt condolences to HH the Emir, members of the royal family and to the brotherly people of Qatar,” President Hussain said in his message.
President Hussain said Pakistan will always remember HH Sheikh Khalifa with gratitude for laying the foundation of Pakistan-Qatar relations and then strengthening them.
“Sheikh Khalifa was a visionary leader who served the people of Qatar with great sincerity. His contribution to the welfare and development of people of Qatar will always be remembered,” recalled President Hussain.
He added that his loss is equally felt by the Islamic world due to HH Sheikh Khalifa’s commitment to Islamic causes and the unity of Ummah.
Cutting short his visit, President Hussain paid his final visit to HH the Emir and HH the Father Emir after Maghrib prayer to offer his condolences in person yesterday before leaving for Pakistan at night.
President Hussain, who arrived in Qatar Saturday evening on the invitation of HH the Emir and was originally scheduled to leave today morning.
On the first day of his visit, the president of Pakistan met with the ministers of Qatari government besides meeting the members of Pakistani expatriate community. He cancelled his remaining engagements after the announcement of the demise of HH Sheikh Khalifa.