ISLAMBAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday arrived in Saudi Arabia to attend late Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz's funeral.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif also accompanied the PM.
Aziz's funeral prayers were offered at the Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz mosque in Riyadh.
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The premier and President Mamnoon Hussain had expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of the Saudi king and had termed it a big loss for the Ummah.
In a condolence message, PM Nawaz expressed grief and sorrow over the King's demise, saying that being the custodian of the Holy Mosques he had a special place in the heart of every Pakistani.
Extending condolences to the Saudi royal family as well as the people of the Kingdom he said the whole Pakistani nation is with their Saudi brethren in this hour of grief.
President Mamnoon also lauded the services of the late king for the betterment of the kingdom and the ummah as well.
Abdullah, said by the Saudi embassy in Washington to have been born in 1924, had ruled Saudi Arabia as king since 2005, but had run the country as de facto regent for a decade before that after his predecessor King Fahd suffered a debilitating stroke.
He was replaced by his half-brother Salman as the absolute ruler of the world's top oil exporter and the spiritual home of Islam. Salman, 79, had been defence minister and previously governor of the capital Riyadh. Another of the late monarch's half-brothers, Moqren, was named the new crown prince.
Know more: Saudi King Shah Abdullah dies; Salman becomes new king
Earlier this month, PM Nawaz had visited the Saudi King and enquired after his health. The premier had also met Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and discussed with him ways of enhancing bilateral relations in various fields.
Also read: Premier enquires after Saudi king’s health
Upon returning from his Riyadh visit, PM Nawaz came under heavy criticism over the fuel crisis. The premier held meetings to resolve the issue and suspended four officials.
PM Nawaz announces one-day mourning over Saudi King's death
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced a day of mourning over the death of Saudi King Abdullah.
The government has also decided that the flag will fly at half-mast today.
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| -AFP/File |
