ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday announced three-day mourning over the demise of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with leaders of the South Asian nation expressing profound grief over the loss.
Khalifa, who was also the ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate, died on Friday, the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs said. Born in 1948, he suffered a stroke in 2014 and had rarely been seen in public since.
The UAE would be observing a 40-day mourning period over Khalifa's death with flags flown at half-mast. Work will remain suspended at all public and private sector entities for three days, the ministry said.
"On the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Government of Pakistan has decided to observe three days national mourning from 13th to 15th May, 2022," the Cabinet Division of the Pakistani government said in a notification.
"The National Flag of Pakistan shall fly at half-mast throughout the country from 13th to 15th May, 2022."
Khalifa became the ruler of the richest emirate Abu Dhabi and the head of state in 2004. Under the UAE's constitution, vice-president and premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, would act as the president until the federal council, which groups the rulers of the seven emirates, elects a new president within 30 days.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was "deeply grieved" to hear about the passing of the UAE president, describing him as a "great friend" of Pakistan.
"Deeply grieved to hear about the passing of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of UAE," the Pakistan premier said on Twitter.
"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!"
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said Khalifa's exemplary role in the development of the UAE was unforgettable, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
"The death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has deprived the Arab region of an extraordinary ruler," the Pakistani foreign minister was quoted as saying.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and all ranks of Pakistan Army extended their heartfelt condolences over the demise of Khalifa, the Pakistani military's media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Twitter.
"Pakistan has lost a great friend," the ISPR quoted General Bajwa as saying. "May Allah Almighty bless his soul & give strength to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Ameen."
