Saudis and expatriates Saturday mourned the death of Crown Prince Sultan eulogizing his far-sightedness, wisdom and benevolence. In Jeddah, women who have carved a niche in Saudi society expressed their grief over the demise of Crown Prince Sultan who was popularly and lovingly known as Sultan Al-Khair, meaning Sultan of Benevolence. “His was a smiling face. The smile never left his face even in adverse situations,” said Ebtihaj Minyawi, noted journalist and head of the women's section in Al-Madina Arabic newspaper. “He was well-known for his charity work, especially in the field of education which he supported strongly,” she said. Suhaila Zain Al-Abideen, a member of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), extended her deep condolences to the Royal Family. “Members of the National Society for Human Rights met Crown Prince Sultan on several occasions and admired the great importance he always gave to the human rights issues,” she said. Sahar Abdulaziz from King Abdulaziz University here said Crown Prince Sultan was known for his charitable work since his early days. “He brought back smile on many faces due to his unceasing help, monetary and otherwise, for the poor and the needy,” she said. Ruba Abdulmalik, a business management student at King Abdulaziz University, said the new generation has learnt a lot from the philanthropic efforts of Crown Prince Sultan. “He will stay alive in our hearts forever,” she said. Citizens approached by the Saudi Gazette expressed their sorrow over the death of Crown Prince Sultan. “I felt both shocked and sad for losing one of our fathers and a man who has done a lot for this country,” Hamdan Habeeb Al-Solami, a retired policeman said. “I felt like I lost my father and I pay my condolences to our King and his brothers and to the whole nation,” Shima Zaid Naef Al-Qahtani, a housewife said. “I heard the news this morning and I was shocked and this is a sad news for the nation and a big loss,” said Raed Al-Jabri, a Saudi national, said. “Prince Sultan will be missed deeply by the people of the Kingdom and everyone else who has been touched by his humanitarian efforts,” Sami Al-Maliki, a KAU student said. “I extend my condolences to our father King Abdullah and to the Saudi nation for the loss of one of our heroes,” Sarah Abdullah Al-Qahtani, a student in Taif University, said. “I am really sad over the death of Crown Prince Sultan,” Al-Baraa Ali Jaber, a Saudi national, said. In Riyadh, Faisal Abdulaziz Al-Saddik, Director of Sales and Marketing, Saudia Private Aviation said he felt very sad after hearing the news of Prince Sultan's death. He said Crown Prince Sultan was a great leader known for his geneorosity. “He worked tireless for the well-being of people and progress of the country. Crown Prince's contributions to Saudi Arabian Airlines could not be forgotten because as Chairman of SAA Board he contributed greatly in every aspect of the national carrier development from human resources to the quality of services and the expansion of airline's fleet,” he said. “It is a very sad day for the Kingdom and Saudi Arabian Airlines and its staff. We all pray to Almighty Allah to rest his soul in peace and offer him a lofty place in Jannah (Paradise),” said Al-Saddik. Takashi Akao, Resident Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Riyadh, said he knew that Crown Prince Sultan was a man of great integrity and benevolence. He said although he never met the Crown Prince in person, he knows about Sultan's generosity and kindness. Like many Saudi leaders and people, Crown Prince Sultan came forward to generously help the victims of earthquake that hit Japan recently, said Akao. “The death of Crown Prince Sultan is a big loss for the Kingdom. I want to express my deep condolences to King Abdullah, all members of the Royal Family and people of Saudi Arabia on this sad occasion,” said Akao. Yukiko Constantinescu, head of the Cultural and Education Section in Japan Embassy, said Crown Prince Sultan worked to enhance the cultural, educational and social relations with Japan. Babar Ali Malik, a Pakistan PR specialist, said the Muslim World has lost a great leader and a friendly person. “Whenever Pakistan was hit with natural disasters, Crown Prince Sultan was always generous and kind. His death is a great loss to the Muslim World and particularly to Pakistan.” Muhammad Naeem Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan, also lauded the philanthropic works of Crown Prince Sultan. He prayed for the departed soul and sympathized with the bereaved family. Pakistan flag in the embassy at Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah remained at half mast. Pakistan Embassy has also postponed the inauguration of Arabic Calligraphic Exhibition that was to be inaugurated by Prince Sultan Bin Salman. __
