There was no issue of the paper on this date on account of the Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) holiday. The excerpt below is taken from the previous day’s edition.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto has said that the passing away of King Faisal at this crucial moment is an indescribable tragedy not only for Saudi Arabia but for the entire world of Islam. In a condolence message sent to King Khalid … the [PM] said that King Faisal was one of the greatest statesmen of our time and a sagacious and far-sighted leader, who was a tower of strength for the Arab nation in its struggle against … Zionism and aggression. The [PM] said that King Faisal was a great and sincere friend and well-wisher of the people of Pakistan who loved him and respected him. …

[Meanwhile,] as a mark of respect to the memory of the late King Faisal … the Pakis­tan flag will fly at half-mast at all principal Government buildings… . … [T]he news … stunned the people in … Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Shops were closed in some areas after the news was received here. … The Holy Quran was being recited at the [Saudi] Embassy and a stream of visitors poured in to pay their homage.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025