Atal Bihari Vajpayee no More: How Pakistan, Bangladesh And Other Nations Condoled Former PM’s Demise

Pakistan government, in a statement, extended condolences to Vajpayee’s family and the government and people of India, terming the former PM a “renowned statesman”.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise has not only left the nation in sorrow but has also come as a saddening news for other countries, including the neighbours Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Pakistan government, in a statement, extended condolences to Vajpayee’s family and the government and people of India, terming the former PM a “renowned statesman”.

“We have learnt with sadness the passing away of Atal Bihari Vajpayee former Prime Minister of India, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in New Delhi,” read the statement by the Pakistani government.

“He was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in Indo-Pak relations and remained key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development.

Pakistan Government and people extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to Government and people of India,” it added.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and Pakistan PM-Designate Imran Khan also expressed grief over Vajpayee’s demise. “There is a void in the politics of South Asia after his death. There can be political differences but the desire of peace remains present across the border. We stand with India in this difficult time,” he said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condoled the death of the former PM, calling him “one of the most famous sons of India”.

“Deeply shocked at sad demise of former PM of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India. He’ll be remembered for contributing towards good governance and highlighting issues affecting common people of India as well as regional peace and prosperity,” said Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

“He was our friend and highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Government conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh.”

“On behalf of Government and people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Government and the mourning people of India, and to the members of the bereaved family. We pray for the eternal peace of his soul,” she added.

Expressing grief over Vajpayee’s demise, the US Embassy in India said, “United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S.-India relations”.

Terming him as “one of India’s greatest leaders”, British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith said, “We are saddened by the passing of former PM of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee. We will remember him as one of India’s greatest leaders. Shri Vajpayee was much respected in the UK as a statesman par excellence”.

Vajpayee, who was 93, died at AIIMS this evening after a prolonged illness. Several leaders saw a personal loss in death of Vajpayee, one of India’s most respected leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics.