PM Kakar’s Kuwait Visit Tomorrow to Extend Condolences on the Demise of Emir Sheikh Nawaf

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is scheduled to embark on a one-day trip to Kuwait on Monday, as announced by the Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday. The purpose of the visit is to offer condolences on the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who died at the age of 86 on Saturday. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to a hospital late last month due to an emergency health problem but was reported to be in stable condition. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has been the de facto ruler since 2021, was named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor.

Kuwait has declared 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments in honor of the late emir. Caretaker Prime Minister Kakar’s visit aims to convey the sympathies and condolences of the government and people of Pakistan to the royal family, government, and people of Kuwait.

In a social media message on Saturday, Kakar expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the royal family and people of Kuwait, highlighting the late emir’s contributions to strengthening Pakistan-Kuwait relations.

Sheikh Nawaf was laid to rest in a private funeral on Sunday, attended by select relatives. The ceremony, broadcast on state television, was limited to members of the ruling family, reflecting the late emir’s low-profile character. The new emir, Sheikh Meshal, is expected to deliver his oath before parliament on Wednesday.

During the burial ceremony, attendees performed prayers, and Kuwait City displayed digital billboards honoring Sheikh Nawaf. The mourning period will last for 40 days, with government offices closed until Tuesday.

Sheikh Meshal is anticipated to uphold key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity, Western alliances, and good relations with Riyadh. Sheikh Nawaf’s three-year reign was marked by ill-health, and his legacy includes efforts to repair strained relations between the parliament and government.

Dignitaries from around the world, including Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, are expected to visit Kuwait to pay their respects. Sheikh Meshal, who takes over from his half-brother, Sheikh Nawaf, is wished success by United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who expressed readiness to work together to advance cooperation in the Gulf.

The late emir, who became ruler in 2020 at the age of 83, was known domestically as a consensus-builder and was perceived to have improved relations between the parliament and government. The constitution dictates that the emir chooses his successor, the crown prince, with parliamentary approval required. Unlike some Gulf states, Kuwait’s succession process traditionally involves consensus-building within the ruling family.