ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: Pakistan announced a three-day mourning for Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, who passed away on Sunday. The national flag flew at half-mast on Sunday and will continue flying so through Tuesday, stated an official announcement.

Meanwhile, President Gen Pervez Musharraf has offered condolence over the death of the Kuwaiti Emir in a message sent to the new ruler of the Gulf state.

“It is with deep sadness and a sense of shock that we learned about the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. May Allah in His infinite mercy grant the departed soul eternal peace in heaven,” the president was quoted as having said in the message.

“On this sad and tragic occasion, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I would like to convey to your Highness and the brotherly people of Kuwait our most profound and sincere condolences.”

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, in a separate condolence message, said Pakistanis would remember the deceased’s contribution to the development of their country.