Why Pakistani Prime Minister is "devastated"?

World Sunday 16/February/2020 15:24 PM
By: Times News Service
Why Pakistani Prime Minister is "devastated"?

Muscat: One of the senior members of the current rulling party of Pakistan and a close friend of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Naeem ul Haque, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020.

Khan expressed grief after the news broke that Haque, who was battling cancer, had taken his last breath.

He then took to his official Twitter account saying that he was devastated to learn the passing away of his close friend he stood through thick and thin.

“[I] am devastated by one of my oldest friend Naeem's passing. He was one of the 10 founding members of PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf] and by far the most loyal. In 23 yrs of PTI's trials and tribulations, he stood by me. He was always there for support whenever we were at our lowest ebb.

“In the last two years I saw him battle cancer with courage and optimism. Till the very end he was involved in Party affairs and attended cabinet meetings as long as he was able. His passing has left an irreplaceable void,” Khan said.

In addition to that, many other senior officials of the current government including the president and foreign minister of Pakistan expressed grief.

“My dear friend Naeem ul Haque has passed away. A great Pakistani and founder of PTI. Was a pleasure to have known him as a close friend for the last 40 years. May his soul rest in peace & may Allah give strength to his family to bear this loss,” Dr Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan said that Haque was a great friend and his commitment was invaluable.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Naeem Ul Haq. He fought cancer with true grit and determination. His commitment to the party and services to PTI were invaluable. He was a great friend and shall be missed. May his soul rest in peace,” Qureshi said on his Twitter account.