Monday, March 10, 2014
Kabul (BNA) It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing away of Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim, the First Vice-president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the presidential palace quoted President Karzai, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
Presidential press office said BNA, president Karzai called the demise of Marshal Qasim Fahim, a great loss for Afghanistan and offered condolences to the people of Afghanistan on his passing away.
The President described him as a patriotic Afghan and a great Mujahid who was at the service of his people.
“He was my friend over the past 12 years. He was a great personality, a Mujahid and a servant of Afghanistan.
He loved his country, the president said. The president also added, “Marshal Fahim had stood alongside Afghanistan and its people in crucial juncture, he supported national unity and loved this country.”
Hoping lasting peace and stability in the county the president offers deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and the Afghan people, and wishes him the highest heaven in the hereafter.
Through a decree, the President declares a three-day national mourning across Afghanistan, starting tomorrow, during which the national flag of Afghanistan will be half –mast.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai accompanied by ranking officials also visited the house of late First Vice-President, Marshal Mohammad Qasim Fahim and besides expressing sympathy with the grieved family and relatives, prayed may his departed soul rest in eternal peace.
The Vice-President, Marshal Fahim passed away due to prolonged illness on Sunday morning.
The president also ordered three-day national mourning which begins from Monday during which the national flag remains half-hoisted at home and Afghanistan diplomatic missions abroad. In line with the Presidential decree, commission under Interior Minister Mohammad Omar Daudzai and chief of army staff General Shir Mohammad Karimi as deputy, Minister for Information and Culture Dr. Sayeed Makhdoom Raheen, head of Ministers Council Secretariat Saddiq Muddabir, chief of National Directorate of Security General Rahmatullah Nabil and head of the first vice president office Mohammad Yusuf Itebar as members of the commission to arrange the funeral service and prayer ceremony of late Marshal Fahim in Kabul and provinces with special government arraignment.
