SANA’A, Dec 5: The residents of the ancient city of Sana’a accorded a rousing reception to President Pervez Musharraf Monday as he visited one of the oldest cradles of Arab civilization. The people, young and old, lined up on the roadsides, cheered and clapped as the visiting Pakistani leader crossed the Bab-e-Yemen to enter the ancient part of the city.

Mayor of Sana’a Ahmad Al Kohlani greeted the president upon his arrival.

The president waved back to the cheering crowd as he stepped upon an elevated point for viewing the city, which is said to be dated as far back as the era of son of Prophet Hazrat Noah (AS).

The mayor presented key of the city to the president and briefed him about the city’s history in front of clay-coloured houses of the valley known as Wadi-e-Dahr.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Minister of State for Petroleum Muhammad Naseer Mengal and senior officials accompanied the president.

Musharraf also visited Yemen’s Military Museum and the ‘National Museum of History and Ancient Civilization, where he was briefed about the various phases of Yemeni history. He also visited Yemen’s national defence complex.

He witnessed various artefacts, ancient weapons, coins, specimens of ancient books and praised the Yemeni efforts at preserving its rich cultural heritage. —APP