Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister to Attend Khaleda Zia’s Funeral

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the funeral prayer of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

A source at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka confirmed the matter today (December 30). According to the source, Ishaq Dar is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday (December 31) to formally take part in the janaza and pay his respects.

Earlier in the day, Ishaq Dar expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s death. In a message posted on X, he prayed for the salvation of her soul and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed profound grief over the passing of the BNP chairperson. In a post on X, he recalled Khaleda Zia’s lifelong contributions to the people of Bangladesh and her role in the country’s development and progress.

In his message, Shehbaz Sharif described Khaleda Zia as a committed friend of Pakistan and stated that the government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of mourning.

Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP chairperson and three-time former prime minister of Bangladesh, passed away at 6:00 am on Tuesday. The news was confirmed through a post on the BNP Media Cell’s official Facebook page.

In a separate statement, BNP’s verified Facebook page said Khaleda Zia breathed her last shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party prayed for the forgiveness of her soul and requested prayers from the public for her eternal peace.

Khaleda Zia had been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital since November 23. She was receiving care in the intensive care unit, where her condition was described as extremely critical. Her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain had earlier said she was going through a very critical phase.