ISLAMABAD, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has expressed condolences at the demise of Saparmurat Niyazov, president of Turkmenistan, who died on Thursday at the age of 66, the News Network International (NNI) news agency reported.

    "It is with deep sadness and a sense of shock that we have learnt about the passing away of the President H.E. Mr. Saparmurat Niyazov," Musharraf said in his message to Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov.

    "The people and the Government of Pakistan share the grief of their Turkmen brethren at this tragic moment in their history," Musharraf said.

    Musharraf said that President Niyazov's untimely demise has deprived Turkmenistan of a great leader.

    "President Niyazov's visionary leadership which was instrumental in raising the prestige and prosperity of Turkmenistan will be long remembered," he said.