Mohamed and Imran discuss virus, ties

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has extended his sincere condolences to Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on the victims of Friday’s plane crash in a residential area in Karachi, praying to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy and forgiveness on the dead and give strength to their families to bear the tragedy.

The Pakistani leader expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for his true feelings towards the people of Pakistan, wishing further progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE.

They exchanged greetings on Eid Al Fitr and wished continuing peace, security and prosperity for all countries of the world.

The conversation touched on an array of regional and international issues of common interest, including the global fight against COVID-19.

They also exchanged views on the prospects of advancing the bilateral relations to the best interest of the two countries’ peoples.

Recently, the UAE extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the victims of the plane crash in the Pakistani city of Karachi following a number of deaths and injuries.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its solidarity and support for Pakistan in this tragedy, underscoring its profound condolences to the Government of Pakistan and the families of the victims and wishes for the speedy recovery of all the injured.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai also sent a cable of condolences to President Arif Alvi of Pakistan for the victims of the plane crash in Karachi.

A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus jet with 99 people aboard crashed into a crowded residential district of the city of Karachi on Friday afternoon while approaching the airport.

Two passengers survived, including Zafar Masood, president of the Bank of Punjab, a Sindh provincial government spokesman said. The bank said he had suffered fractures but was “conscious and responding well.”

On the ground, 18 homes were damaged but no one was killed, mainly because the local residents were gathered at nearby mosques at the time, officials had said. Eight people on the ground were injured.

WAM / Agencies