Saudi king’s funeral in absentia held

Islamabad
The International Islamic University Islamabad held funeral prayers in absentia for Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud at Faisal Masjid after Zohr prayer on Saturday.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf led the prayers in which foreign and local diplomats, senior government officials, and IIU students and staff members participated.
The IIU transported students, teachers and staff members from the main campus to the mosque for the event in buses.
Adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz, who also attended the prayers, declared King Abdullah’s death a great loss for Ummah and said the services of the deceased for the unity of the worldwide Muslims were commendable.
He also said King Abdullah was a sincere and close friend of Pakistan.
“King Abdullah always stood by Pakistan in difficult times and came to our help, especially during natural calamities,” he said.
The adviser said he was confident that Pak-Saudi relations would further improve during the tenure of the new Saudi King, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.
Meanwhile, acting IIU President Dr Muhammad Bashir Khan telephoned the Saudi ambassador and condoled the Saudi king’s death.