Pakistan marks ‘day of mourning’ today over Kuwaiti emir’s passing 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will mark today, Monday, as a “day of mourning” due to the passing of the ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said. 

Sheikh Nawaf passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday. His casket was draped in his country’s national flag, with members of the Al-Sabah family and several high-profile officials attending his funeral. 

Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is scheduled to travel to Kuwait on Monday to offer his condolences on Sheikh Nawaf’s demise. 

“Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has declared Monday, December 18 as a day of mourning in Pakistan as an expression of fraternal solidarity on behalf of the people and government of Pakistan,” the APP said in a report. “With the royal family, the government, and people of Kuwait on the sad demise of Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.” 

The state-run press said the national flag would fly at half-mast throughout Pakistan on Monday. 

Several foreign dignitaries are expected to travel to the Arab country in the coming days to express condolences. The successor to the late ruler, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, will personally meet them at the Diwan of Al-Sabah Family at Bayan Palace on Monday and Tuesday. 

Kuwait announced an official mourning period for 40 days and the closure of official departments for three days after the announcement of the late emir’s death. 

Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister went to Kuwait on a two-day official visit last month to interact with the country’s top leadership, and sign a number of bilateral cooperation and investment deals. 

Pakistan and Kuwait agreed to broaden and deepen their relationship by specifically focusing on areas related to manpower, information technology, mineral exploration, food security, energy and defense.