President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday paid rich tributes to late UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan sagacious leader of the Muslim world and said that in his death the Pakistani nation has lost a great friend.
"The entire Pakistani nation is mourning the loss of a great friend - it is a tremendous loss," he said prior to his departure for UAE, where he will attend the funeral prayers of the late leader and founder of the United Arab Emirates.
Chairman Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee General Ehsan ul Haq and Vice Chief of the Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, senior civilian and military officials were present to see off the President at the airbase. Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri is accompanying the President.
The President said Pakistan is observing three days of mourning as Sheikh Zayed had great love for and long affiliation with Pakistan.
"The entire Pakistani nation condoles with the UAE on this loss of the widely respected leader - May Allah Almighty bless his souls"
Recalling his association with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the President said he used to benefit from his wise leadership.
"It's not only a Ides for Pakistan but I consider it a personal loss because I used to benefit from his wisdom - he was a very wise man and a great leader."