President, PM grieved over Iraq stampede deaths

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf has expressed profound grief over death of hundreds of pilgrims at Al-Kazimia Mosque in Baghdad on Wednesday, saying the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iraqi people in this moment of tragedy.
In a condolence message to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, President Musharraf said it is with most profound sadness and grief that he had learnt about the death of hundreds of pilgrims in Baghdad, who were gathered at the Al-Kazimia Mosque to mark the martyrdom of Imam Musa Al-Kazim.
“This sad news has shocked every Pakistani. Our sympathies and hearts go out to the bereaved families and we pray to Allah Almighty to give them fortitude and solace to bear the loss of their relatives and friends,” he said and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless the departed souls.
“In this moment of tragedy the people and Government of Pakistan stand with the people and Government of Iraq and we share their grief,” the President said. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of precious lives near Al-Kazimia Mosque in Baghdad.
“I am deeply shocked and grieved to learn about great loss of precious lives and tragedy that struck near Al-Kazimia Mosque in Baghdad,” he said in a condolence message to Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari.
He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless those who had lost their lives and grant strength to bear this great loss to the members of their families and friends.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Iraq and we share their grief in hour of tragedy,” he said and added: “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan I convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government and brotherly people of Iraq”.—Agencies