- Zardari terms Begum Kulsoom’s death as ‘great loss’
- Parole of former PM, daughter to end on Monday
LAHORE: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday thanked Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and party Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari for standing by the Sharif family in this time of grief.
Nawaz Sharif remarked this upon the arrival of PPP leadership at his Jati Umra residence for condolence on death of Kulsoom Nawaz, wife of Nawaz Sharif.
Sharif also recalled that a delegation from the party had also attended Begum Kulsoom’s funeral prayers on Friday.
Sherry Rehman, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Farhatullah Babar, Rehman Malik and Raja Pervez Ashraf were also part of the PPP delegation.
Earlier in the day, Kulsoom’s Rasm-e-Qul (congregational prayers) was offered between Asr and Maghrib prayer at the Sharif family’s Jati Umra residence. Keeping in view the mismanagement during the funeral prayer which was attended by thousands, the Sharif family restricted the Rasm-e-Qul for family members and close friends only.
The step was taken to “save people from inconvenience”.
Begum Kulsoom passed away at a private clinic in Britain’s capital London on September 11 after a protracted battle with cancer. Her funeral prayers offered in London and Lahore. She was laid to rest at the Sharif family graveyard in Jati Umra.
While offering his condolences, Zardari said the PPP stood by the Sharif family and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in this difficult time and termed Begum Kulsoom’s death as a “great loss”.
The PPP leaders also paid tribute to Begum Kulsoom’s struggle for the country and democracy.
“She was, undoubtedly, a brave and fearless woman,” said former president Zardari. “The nation is remembering — and will continue to remember — her struggle for democracy and the country.”
PML-Q leaders Ch Shujaat Hussain, Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Pervaiz Elahi, Monis Elahi and other members of the party met with Nawaz Sharif and expressed grief over the death of Begum Kulsoom.
Shujaat said, “Begum Kulsoom’s efforts for democracy will always be remembered.”
The PML-Q leaders also offered fateha for the deceased former first lady.
Several Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, were also present.
Earlier, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif had requested party supporters and sympathisers to pray for the departed in their respective areas instead of coming to the Raiwind residence. He had said that the request was made to save people from distress and difficulties.
Earlier on Friday, the former first lady was laid to rest in Jati Umra.
Yousaf Raza Gillani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Khursheed Shah, Naveed Qamar, and Qamar Zaman Kaira were some of the PPP leaders who attended her funeral.
Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband captain (r) Safdar were released on parole from Adiala Jail till Monday, after which they will be escorted back to Adiala jail.
