Islamabad - Several leaders the world over paid rich tributes to King Fahd for his vital global leadership and contribution to the emancipation of the Muslim Ummah .
Talking to newsmen at Chaklala Airbase yesterday in Islamabad, prior to his departure to Riyadh to take part in King Fahd's funeral, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said, "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."
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 said he looked forward to excellent relations between the two brotherly countries under King Abdullah.
"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.
PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Sen. Maulana Sami ul-Haq are accompanying the president.
In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed sadness over King Fahd's passing away. Manmohan credited King Fahd's efforts for the enhanced level of India-Saudi Arabia relations.
In his letter, addressed to King Abdullah, the Indian premier said: "I learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of His Majesty King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. King Fahd's towering personality won the admiration of all who knew him around the world. The achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his leadership stand testimony to his vision."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan yesterday signed the condolence book opened at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.
"I am shocked at the sad demise of King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz Al-Saud who was the most respected leader of his people and who symbolized the unity and solidarity of the entire Muslim Ummah," he wrote.
Morshed Khan described the late king "as a close and revered well-wisher of Bangladesh", and said the people of Bangladesh joined him in praying to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
By Nilofar Suhrawardy & Huma Aamir Malik
Arab News 2005
