A Tribute to the Late Amir of Kuwait

The death of H R H Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, who died on January 26 has been widely mourned. Here is a touching tribute to the late ruler by Iqbal Hadi Zaidi, an ex-Pakistani diplomat residing in Kuwait: “The death of H R H Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah earlier this morning is undoubtedly an irreparable loss not only for Kuwait but for the whole world in general and Islamic countries in particular.
“I have been here since 1978 and thus can vouch the progress Kuwait has made since he took over in 1977. The country has marched far ahead in terms of income, infrastructure and human development. Iraq, when it invaded Kuwait in August 1990, not only burned its oil wells, its main source of income but also destroyed its industries and infrastructure. It plundered whatever it could till the US and allied forces ejected Iraqis in February 1991. The Amir who was in exile and operating from Saudi Arabia returned in March 1991 and personally took over the daunting task of rebuilding Kuwait almost from zero. History cannot quote an instance of such speedier and unparalleled recovery…
“Today at 1100 hours I specially passed through Dasman Palace, the place where Amir lives and I was almost in tears to see hundred of persons, both male and female, locals and foreigners at the Dasman Roundabout. There were some disabled persons also on wheelchairs and on crutches but the question is why did they come. Could they give a shoulder and walk few steps with the coffin? No, certainly not, yet hey came out of sheer love and respect for the popular and learned head of the state.
“I in my personal capacity and on behalf of Pakistanis and all expatriates in Kuwait condole the untimely death of Amir of Kuwait and solemnly pray Allah almighty bestows His Blessings on the departed soul. Amen.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------