Modi writes to Nawaz, expresses grief over Kulsoom Nawaz's demise

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter of condolence to former premier Nawaz Sharif expressing ‘profound grief’ over the death of former first lady Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, who passed away on Tuesday (yesterday) at a London hospital after battling cancer for over a year.

“It is with profound grief that I learnt of the sad demise of Begum Sahiba,” Modi wrote in his letter.

Addressing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, the letter further read “I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to Begum Sahiba and strength to you and the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.”

“I would always cherish memories of my interaction with her,” the letter added.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj also conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Sharif family in her tweet.

“I am sorry to know about the sad demise of Mrs. Kulsoom Nawaz,” she said. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace.”

I am sorry to know about the sad demise of Mrs.Kulsoom Nawaz. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) September 11, 2018

Nawaz Sharif who is serving jail term with his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt. (Retd) Safdar have been released on parole to participate in Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s funeral and burial ceremony.

Released in the wee hours on Wednesday, Nawaz Sharif along with his daughter and son-in-law, have now reached Lahore.

The body of Nawaz Sharif’s wife and former MNA Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, who breathed her last in a London hospital, will be brought back to Lahore for a funeral and burial.