NEW DELHI – India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Tuesdayexpressed her grief over the death of Pakistan’s former first lady whileextending condolences to the Sharif family.
“I am sorry to know about the sad demise of Mrs. Kulsoom Nawaz. Myheartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace,”the Indian foreign minister wrote on Twitter.
Kulsoom, the wife of disgraced PM and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)supremo Nawaz Sharif, passed away at London’s Harley Street Clinic after aprolonged battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed by PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif. Kulsoom Nawaz issurvived by her husband and four children, Hassan, Hussain, Maryam and Asma.
“My sister-in-law and wife of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz is nomore. May her soul rest in peace,” Shehbaz Sharif said in a twitterannouncement.
“Nawaz Sharif had always consulted Kulsoom Nawaz during his tough hours.She [Kulsoom Nawaz] challenged dictatorship courageously,” stated Shehbazwhile adding at the same time late Kulsoom’s affiliation with democracy wasproven and time-tested.
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Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, who are serving sentence in Adiala Jail,have also been informed about the demise of Begum Kulsoom. The former firstlady was diagnosed with lymphoma (throat cancer) in August 2017 afterwhich, she was shifted to London’s Harley Street Clinic for treatment.
Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz had flown to London several times to inquireabout the health of Kulsoom Nawaz.
Her funeral prayers will be offered at Regent’s Park in London Thursday andher body will be brought back to Pakistan after fulfilling legalobligations on Friday. She will be buried alongside her father-in-law, MianSharif, at Jati Umra.
