ISLAMABAD, Jul 08: President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday expressed profound grief over the death of Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe. “I would like to express my deep condolences to the family of ex PM and to people of Japan on the sad demise of the very respected Mr Shinzo Abe,” the president said in a tweet.

Dr. Alvi recalled with fondness his meeting with Shinzo Abe during his visit to Japan. “I recall with great fondness, my meetings with him, [he was ]always smiling,” he said.

The president also mentioned the sincere friendship of Shinzo Abe with the people of Pakistan. He termed the death of Shinzo Abe as a “great loss”.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended condolences to the government and people of Japan on the demise of their former premier Shinzo Abe.

 “I extend my profound condolences over the sad demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” the prime minister said in a tweet.

PM Sharif recalled that Abe made invaluable contributions to the Pakistan-Japan relationship.

 “Our prayers are with bereaved family. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Japan,” he said.

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead this morning while campaigning for a parliamentary election in the Nara region.

Shinzo Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.

He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history.