Pak declares 3-day mourning on passing of Sheikh Khalifa
PM will visit UAE to meet and express condolences with Mohamed Bin Zayed, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan; President, army chief, Imran, Senate chairman, foreign minister condole death
The government of Pakistan has announced three-day national mourning from May 14-16 (Friday to Sunday) in solidarity with the brotherly people of the UAE over the “sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
A statement issued by the foreign ministry said that the national flag shall also fly at halfmast during the mourning period.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will visit the UAE to express condolence on the demise of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The prime minister will leave late on Saturday for UAE from London where is correctly staying.
On Sunday, the prime minister will meet and express condolences with the newly elected President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.
President Arif Alvi, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, former prime minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhuto Zardari, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and other leaders have expressed their deep grief over the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa.
President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed.
In a tweet, Dr Arif Ali said, “My hearfelt condolences to the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan has lost a true friend. May Allah rest his soul in peace.”
In his condolence message on Twiter, Shahbaz Sharif said with the death of Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE had lost a visionary leader and Pakistan, a great friend.
“We send our hearfelt condolences & sympathies to the government & people of the UAE. May Allah rest his soul in peace,” the prime minister remarked.
Bilawal has expressed grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa.
In a condolence statement, he said the role of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the development of the United Arab Emirates is commendable and unforgetable. He said with the demise of Sheikh Khalifa, the Arabian region lost an extra-ordinary ruler.
The foreign minister said he shares the grief of the people and the Royal family of the UAE on the death of Sheikh Khalifa.
General Bajwa and all ranks of Pakistan army have also expressed hearfelt condolences on the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa.
“Pakistan has lost a great friend. May Allah Almighty bless his soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Ameen,” General Bajwa said in a condolence message shared by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General on his official Twiter handle.
Former prime minister Imran Khan tweeted he was “truly saddened to learn of the passing of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE & Ruler of Abu Dhabi. He was a great friend of Pakistan & a visionary leader of his people. My hearfelt condolences & prayers go to the Royal family & the Emirati people.”
Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa.
In his message, the Senate chairman said that Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed has played an important role in the development and prosperity of the UAE.
His services are also invaluable for the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah, he underlined. Due to his economic and peoplefriendly policies, the United Arab Emirates has grown by leaps and bounds and has made significant strides.
Sanjrani remarked that during his tenure relations between Pakistan and UAE reached new heights and were effectively enhanced.
The Senate chairman conveys his condolences to the family of Sheikh Khalifa and prays to Allah Almighty for the forgiveness and high ranks of the deceased.
Pakistan and the UAE are bound by close fraternal relationship. Under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the relationship between Pakistan and the UAE scaled new heights. He was a sincere friend of Pakistan. His invaluable contributions will be long remembered by the government and the people of Pakistan.