President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday expressed their deep sorrow over the death of Afghanistan's last King Mohammad Zahir Shah terming him a leader of great stature. The two leaders in separate messages to President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan noted his contribution to peace, stability and welfare of Afghanistan.
The President in his message described late Zahir Shah "as a man of peace who led his nation with wisdom in difficult times spanning over four decades." In the departure of King Zahir Shah, the President said Afghanistan has lost a statesman of great stature, whose commitment and contribution to peace, stability and welfare of Afghanistan and the region will be remembered for long.
"May Allah Almighty bless his noble soul and give comfort and solace to the bereaved family and the Afghan nation. In this hour of grief, the people and Government of Pakistan, are with the brotherly Afghan nation," the President said.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the passing away of Mohammed Zahir Shah, Baba-e-Qaum and the former King of Afghanistan.
"On behalf of the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our profound condolences to the brotherly people and Government of Afghanistan. We in Pakistan share your grief and sense of loss," the Prime Minister added.