HIS Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) passed away on Friday, aggrieving everybody.
With his death, the whole world especially the Muslim countries have lost a visionary leader and a statesman who always led from the front to make his country a land of opportunities and how far he succeeded in his mission is before everybody.
Today it is because of his far-sightedness, the UAE is considered as one of the most attractive places both for businesses and tourism.
Under his reign, the UAE witnessed an accelerated development that ensured decent living for its people.
After being elected as the President, Sheikh Khalifa launched his first strategic plan for the UAE Government to achieve balanced and sustainable development, placing the prosperity of UAE citizens and residents at the core.
His key objective was to continue on the path laid down by his father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.
When a person serves his nation with such selfless devotion, his demise is also greatly felt. As soon as news of his death broke, world leaders poured in with their condolences, paying tributes to his vision, describing him as a leader whose legacy will live on.
Especially for Pakistan, it is really a loss of a true friend who always remained at the forefront in extending help in the hour of need.
The people of Pakistan still remember the generosity shown by the UAE leadership during 2005 earthquake.
The UAE has always extended support to Pakistan in critical areas especially the promotion of education and health. Sheikh Khalifa’s charitable initiatives in several Pakistani areas show his compassion towards the Pakistanis.
He always kept the doors of UAE open for Pakistani workers and investors who were provided with ample opportunities to excel in their respective fields. This is the reason that every Pakistani including our expatriates in the UAE is deeply sad over his death.
Three-day mourning is being observed across the country over the demise of this great friend of Pakistan. We also extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the people of UAE over the death of Sheikh Khalifa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
