Musharraf conveys condolences to King Abdullah

President General Pervez Musharraf, who attended the funeral of Khadim Al-Harmain Al-Sharifain King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, conveyed the Pakistani nation's deep condolences over the loss to his successor King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
President Musharraf was among the Muslim leaders, who attended the funeral prayers at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque and paid condolences to King Abdullah over passing away of great leader of the Muslim world.
Expressing profound sense of loss over the demise of King Fahd, the President said entire Pakistani nation shared the sorrow of their Saudi brothers.
He prayed for eternal peace for departed soul, and unity, solidarity and well-being of the Muslim Ummah at that hour of grief.
Earlier, prior to his departure from Islamabad, President Pervez Musharraf paid rich tributes to the late King Fahd for his vital contribution to emancipation of the Muslim Ummah and consolidation of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations to new heights.
"King Fahd was a great leader of the Muslim world and also a great friend of Pakistan - he played an active role in the emancipation and betterment of the Muslim Ummah," the President told newsmen at the air base.
President Musharraf said that during the tenure of King Fahd, relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached a new peak.
"King Fahd left a legacy of contribution to the well-being of the Ummah and to strengthening Saudi- Pakistan relationship, which is so important to us," he added.
The President looked forward to excellent relations between the two brotherly countries, under King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
"His Majesty King Abdullah, indeed, is like a brother to me. We already have close personal relations - he is a man, who has the welfare of the Ummah and the Muslim world very close to his heart," he stated.
The President was confident of much enhanced understanding with Saudi Arabia in the years ahead and greater co-operation for the betterment of the Ummah.
Pakistan Muslim League (PML) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri and Senator Maulana Sami ul Haq accompanied the President.
Pakistan is observing seven days of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-mast.
King Fahd remained a true friend of Pakistan throughout his over two decades' rule, extending support to Islamabad on a host of regional and international issues.
He visited Pakistan twice, first as Crown Prince in 1980 and then as King in 1985, signifying his close association and affection for Pakistan and its people.