ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday observed a national day of mourning over the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved observing a day of mourning in the country on September 12, on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The observance of this day is to “express solidarity” with and pay respects to the government and people of the UK on the “sad demise” of the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, at the age of 96. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history.
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a “great and beneficent ruler” following her death. Her departure has left an immense vacuum, he said, adding that she “would be remembered in golden words in the annals of world history”. Elizabeth’s state funeral will be held at London’s Westminster Abbey on September 19, which will be a public holiday in Britain, officials announced. Before that, her coffin will be flown to London and there will be a sombre procession when it is later moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where it will lie in state for four days.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday conveyed his sincere good wishes to King Charles III on his accession to the throne of the British monarchy. “On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I wish to convey our sincere good wishes to His Majesty King Charles III on his accession to the throne,” he posted on his Twitter handle. The prime minister said, “May the people of the United Kingdom continue to prosper under his benevolent reign.” The council, made up of about 200 members, primarily current and former politicians and other dignitaries, proclaimed his accession to the throne in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace in London