Monday, August 1 2005 20:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Pakistan today (Aug 1, 2005) announced a seven-day national mourning for Saudi King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz as President Pervez Musharraf, who is expected to attend the funeral, described the monarch's demise as a great loss to the Muslim world.

The Government announced that during the seven-day national mourning, the national flag will fly half-mast.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the Saudi King, Musharraf said, "In his death, Pakistan and indeed the entire Muslim world has lost a statesman of high calibre.

"He was a true leader of the Muslim Ummah and the greatest friend of Pakistan. During his reign, the friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached new heights and gained great strength," he said in a televised message.

Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told the Geo TV that Musharraf may attend the funeral and the arrangements were being finalised.

Musharraf recalled that on many occasions he personally met the Saudi leader and benefited from his wise counsel. "May I, on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan and my personal behalf express deepest condolences to my brother Abdullah, the Government and the people of Saudi Arabia," he said.

Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Naeem Khan in a statement said the late King was a great statesman who worked with dedication for international peace, a devoted supporter of the causes of the Muslim Ummah and a sincere friend of Pakistan.

Under his leadership, the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia flourished and expanded in all fields, he added.