A caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, is scheduled to travel to Kuwait on Monday to offer condolences on the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. The cause of the Emir’s death has not been disclosed. Sheikh Nawaf, aged 86, was admitted to a hospital late last month due to an emergency health problem. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, has been named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor. Kuwait has announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments.
Anwaarul Haq Kakar stated that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the royal family and people of Kuwait and will undertake the visit to convey the sympathies and condolences of the government and people of Pakistan.
Sheikh Nawaf was laid to rest in a small private funeral on Sunday. Kuwaiti citizens expressed sadness at the passing of the “emir of humility and forgiveness” and spoke of his legacy and love for the people. The new emir, Sheikh Meshal, is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies and maintain good relations with Riyadh.
Dignitaries from around the world are expected to pay their respects, and the late emir’s successor, Sheikh Meshal, is expected to continue the efforts to improve relations between the government and parliament. Sheikh Meshal’s ascension to power follows a tradition in the Gulf states where the emir chooses his successor, the crown prince.