KEY POINTS
- PM Sharif visits Bangladesh High Commission to offer condolences.
- He signs condolence book and offers fateha for Khaleda Zia.
- Recalls her as sincere friend of Pakistan with inspirational legacy.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the High Commission of Bangladesh on Monday to offer his condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
During the visit, the prime minister conveyed his sympathies to the Bangladeshi Charge d’Affaires, signed the condolence book and offered fateha for the departed soul.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as a visionary leader and a prominent political figure who devoted her life to public service and democratic politics.
Recalling her role in regional affairs, the prime minister said Begum Zia would be remembered as a sincere friend of Pakistan who left behind an enduring and inspirational legacy.
On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, he extended heartfelt condolences to Begum Zia’s family, her political colleagues, admirers and the people of Bangladesh, and prayed that Almighty Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi accompanied the prime minister during the visit.
Begum Khaleda Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh twice, first from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, and was one of the most influential political figures in the country’s history.
As chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, she played a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic landscape and remained a key political force for decades.
Khaleda Zia was also the widow of former Bangladeshi president Ziaur Rahman, who founded the BNP and is regarded as a pivotal figure in the country’s post-independence politics.
