Doha, 16 July 2026

The Pakistani community in Qatar gathered in large numbers to pay tribute to the extraordinary legacy of late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, remembering his visionary leadership that transformed Qatar into one of the world's most progressive and prosperous nations.

The commemorative event brought together Pakistan's ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamer; embassy officials; community leaders; professionals; business leaders and representatives of various Pakistani organizations to express heartfelt condolences to the leadership and people of Qatar while celebrating the Father Amir's enduring legacy.

Delivering the keynote address, Muhammad Aamer, Ambassador of Pakistan to the State of Qatar, reflected on the purpose of human life and the lasting impact of visionary leadership. Referring to one of the speaker's remarks that "we come here to die," he said people are created to fulfil a higher purpose ordained by Allah, and exceptional leaders leave behind legacies that continue to inspire generations.

Ambassador Aamer described Sheikh Hamad as one of the rare leaders who transformed vision into reality through determination, institution-building and service. He remarked that while many leaders are remembered by history, only a few truly make history. Sharing personal memories from military and diplomatic engagements, he recalled Sheikh Hamad as a humble, confident and thoughtful leader whose energy and foresight remained undiminished even during his final years.

He praised Qatar's remarkable progress under the Father Amir's leadership and its continued advancement under Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Ambassador also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar's development and highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.

Concluding his remarks, he thanked the organising committee led by Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, a community leader, for arranging the tribute and prayed for Qatar's continued peace, prosperity and progress.

Hamid Rasul, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineers Forum, described vision as the foundation of every great achievement. From an engineer's perspective, he said Sheikh Hamad's investments in education, human capital, energy infrastructure and industrial development laid the foundations of modern Qatar. He also appreciated the contributions of thousands of Pakistani professionals to Qatar's remarkable growth.

Fawad Rana, Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council Qatar, highlighted Qatar's extraordinary economic transformation under Sheikh Hamad, noting that the country's economy expanded from around US$7 billion to nearly US$200 billion during his leadership. He said Sheikh Hamad proved that visionary leadership can elevate even a small nation to global prominence.

A senior community professional Badar Suhail Khan recalled witnessing Qatar's transformation from the early LNG era and praised Sheikh Hamad's balanced focus on energy, education and sustainable development through Qatar National Vision 2030. He urged the Pakistani community to continue supporting Qatar's progress and strengthening Pakistan-Qatar relations.

Speakers including Rana Anwar Ali, Ms. Zaman of the IBA Alumni, and senior business community member Saeed Gul also paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad's leadership, extending condolences to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar while recalling his lasting influence on the nation's development.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mohsin Qureshi, Community Welfare Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan, thanked the Pakistani community for its overwhelming participation and expressed appreciation to Riaz Bakali and his team for organizing the event. He described the gathering as a powerful expression of solidarity with Qatar.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for the eternal peace of late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, continued prosperity for Qatar, and the further strengthening of the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

Miss Mariam Khan Baloch served as the Master of Ceremonies with professionalism and exceptional skill throughout the condolence ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, tea and coffee were served to the participants.