New Delhi, July 20 -- India's lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha, on Monday, July 20, paid tribute to Qatar's former Emir and Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, following the passing of the late leader, with Speaker Om Birla leading an obituary reference at the start of the Monsoon Session.

Opening the proceedings, Birla paid homage to former Members of Parliament and other distinguished personalities who had passed away, including Sheikh Hamad. Members of the House, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other lawmakers, observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.

In his condolence message, Birla said Sheikh Hamad served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and played ...