Pakistan observes 'day of mourning' today over Queen Elizabeth’s death

Islamabad: Pakistan is observing a day of national mourning on Monday on the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accorded his approval for observing a day of mourning in the country on September 12, on the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Cabinet Division was directed to take further necessary steps in this regard.

According to the Pakistan High Commission in London, the Pakistan flag will be lowered to half-mast throughout the country today.

The observance of this day is to “express solidarity” with and pay respects to the government and people of the UK on the “sad demise” of the Queen, said the Pakistani mission in a tweet.

Elizabeth’s state funeral will be held at London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday, Sept 19, which will be a public holiday in Britain, officials announced.

Queen Elizabeth visited Pakistan twice, once in 1961 and again in 1997 as the country celebrated 50 years of independence from British colonial rule.