Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday extends deepest condolences to the people of Oman on the passing of ailing Sultan Qaboos.

Sultan Qaboos, one of the Middle East’s longest serving rulers died on Friday.

Taking to twitter, the premiere wrote, “I extend our deepest condolences to people of Oman on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.”

“He was a visionary & transformed Oman into a vibrant, modern state.”

“Oman has lost a beloved leader & Pakistan a close, trusted friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, PM Imran Khan said.

I extend our deepest condolences to people of Oman on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary & transformed Oman into a vibrant, modern state.Oman has lost a beloved leader & Pakistan a close, trusted friend.May his soul rest in eternal peace

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 11, 2020

Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman has passed away at the age of 79.

He served Arab as the world’s longest-serving ruler.

A court statement said, “With great sorrow and deep sadness… the royal court mourns His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away on Friday.”

According to reports, he battled cancer and had gone back home after his treatment in Belgium.

Sultan Qaboos has no heir, as he unmarried.

Three days of official mourning have declared, with flags flown at half-mast for 40 days for the Western-backed Qaboos.

Qaboos had no children and had not publicly appointed a successor.

A 1996 statute says the ruling family will choose a successor within three days of the throne becoming vacant.