Doha: The Qatar Indian Media Forum (IMF) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into a modern, influential nation and reshaped the global media landscape.

In a condolence message, the Forum said the Father Amir laid the foundation for Qatar's remarkable progress and played a pivotal role in positioning the country as a leading diplomatic, economic and media hub. His farsighted vision and commitment to development elevated Qatar's standing on the world stage and left a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Forum also highlighted the Father Amir's historic contribution to global journalism through the establishment of the Al Jazeera news network. It noted that his unwavering support for independent journalism enabled Al Jazeera to emerge as a powerful symbol of press freedom and fearless reporting, giving a voice to the marginalized and setting new standards for media in the Arab world and beyond.

"The Father Amir transformed the media culture in the Middle East through the creation of Al Jazeera. His bold vision and steadfast support for building a platform that championed truth and amplified the voices of the unheard will forever remain etched in the history of global journalism," the Forum said in its statement.

Paying tribute to his humanitarian values, the Qatar Indian Media Forum also remembered with gratitude the Father Amir's care and support for expatriate communities, particularly the Indian community in Qatar. The Forum said Indian journalists and the wider diaspora stand in solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar during this period of national mourning, while honoring the extraordinary legacy of a leader whose vision continues to inspire the world.