Modi writes letter to Nawaz Sharif, expresses grief over Begum Shamim’s demise

By Abdullah Zahid.

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to extend condolences on the demise of the latter’s mother last month, it emerged on Thursday.

The letter was forwarded to PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad last week with a request to be conveyed to her father Nawaz, who has been residing in London since last year.

Begum Shamim Akhtar, mother of Nawaz and PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, had passed away in Britain on November 22. Her body was later flown to Pakistan and she was laid to rest at the family’s Jati Umra estate in Lahore.

In the letter dated Nov 27, a copy of which was obtained by The Pakistan Daily and confirmed by Indian High Commission sources, Modi conveyed “heartfelt condolences” to the former premier over his mother’s death.

“Dear Mian Sahib, I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of your mother Begum Shamim Akhtar,” the Indian prime minister wrote. “My heartfelt condolences are with you in this hour of intense grief.”

Modi recalled his interaction with Nawaz’s mother during his brief visit to Lahore in 2015, saying: “Her simplicity and warmth was indeed very touching.”

“In this moment of profound grief, I pray to the Almighty to bestow strength upon you and your family to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.