Pakistan to observe 'day of mourning' tomorrow over Queen Elizabeth’s death

Pakistan flag will be lowered to half-mast throughout the country on Sept 12

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan will observe a day of mourning on Monday (tomorrow) over the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accorded his approval for observing a day of mourning in the country on September 12, on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.

The cabinet division was directed to take further necessary steps in this regard.

According to the Pakistan High Commission in London, the Pakistan flag will be lowered to half-mast throughout the country on Monday.

The observance of this day is to "express solidarity" with and pay respects to the government and people of the UK on the "sad demise" of the Queen, said the Pakistani mission in a tweet.

To express solidarity with the government & people of the United Kingdom on the sad demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Pakistan will observe a national day of mourning on 12 Sept. 2022. During the day, Pakistan’s flag will be lowered to half-mast throughout the country.

— Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) September 11, 2022

Read: Did you know Queen Elizabeth II ruled Pakistan for 4 years?

Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday, at the age of 96. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history.

President Arif Alvi hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great and beneficent ruler" following her death. Her departure has left an immense vacuum, he said, adding that she "would be remembered in golden words in the annals of world history".

Premier Shehbaz was also “deeply grieved" at the Queen's passing. "Pakistan joins the UK and other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, people & government of the UK,” he said.

Queen Elizabeth visited Pakistan twice, once in 1961 and again in 1997 as the country celebrated 50 years of independence from British colonial rule.