Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday will visit the United Arab Emirates to express condolence on the demise of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The prime minister will leave for UAE from London where he is correctly staying. On Sunday, the prime minister will personally express condolences to Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.
Friday, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died at the age of 73 after battling illness for several years. UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs declared official national mourning for 40 days from Friday. UAE flags will fly half-mast during this period. Moreover, all government and private sectors will halt all operations for three days.
Read more: PM Shehbaz, UAE Crown Prince agree for strong cooperation
Under the constitution, vice president and premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, will act as president. To clarify, he will take charge until the federal council meets within 30 days to elect a new president.
Pakistan condoles death of UAE President
Taking to Twitter, Pakistan’s top-tier leadership expressed condolences at the demise of the UAE President. PM Shehbaz said he was deeply grieved to hear about the UAE President’s death.
“UAE has lost a visionary leader & Pakistan a great friend. We send our heartfelt condolences & sympathies to the government & people of the UAE. May Allah rest his soul in peace!” he tweeted.
Deeply grieved to hear about the passing of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of UAE. UAE has lost a visionary leader & Pakistan a great friend. We send our heartfelt condolences & sympathies to the government & people of the UAE. May Allah rest his soul in peace!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 13, 2022
Similarly, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Furthermore, he said the role of Sheikh Al-Nahyan in the development of the UAE is commendable and unforgettable.
Meanwhile, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and all ranks of Pakistan Army have expressed heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
Read more: UAE President dies, 40 days mourning declared
In an ISPR tweet, General Bajwa said Pakistan has lost a great friend. Furthermore, he prayed the Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
#COAS & all ranks of Pak Army express heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of President of UAE,HH, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. “Pak has lost a great friend. May Allah Almighty bless his soul & give strength to bereaved family 2 bear this irreparable loss, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 13, 2022