Legendary journalist Imran Aslam laid to rest

• Funeral prayers was offered at his residence.
• Aslam passed away at age 70 a day earlier.
• Funeral attended by large number of people.

KARACHI: President of Geo and Jang Group Imran Aslam was laid to rest Saturday evening in Karachi at a graveyard in Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Phase 8, Karachi. 

His funeral was attended by family members, senior journalists, colleagues, and dignitaries from different walks of life.

Aslam, one of the most seasoned journalists in the country, passed away at the age of 70 on Friday. Aslam was under treatment at a local hospital.

Aslam died in harness as, despite his illness, he passionately continued to show up at work to spend there as many hours as he could until he could do it no longer.

 Last Monday, the ailing senior journalist went into multiple organ failure and was rushed to a hospital. The only solace was that being heavily sedated, he was not in pain, says his wife Fareshteh Gati.

His funeral prayer was offered at his residence at 4pm.

Aslam was among the pioneers who spearheaded the launch of Geo News, Geo Entertainment, and Geo Super, while he was also the founding member of the English-language newspaper The News.

The journalist was also the chief news editor and senior editor of The News. He also wrote over 60 plays that were both staged and televised.

Aslam joined The News as a news editor, in Karachi when the paper was launched in 1991 and in 2002 when Geo was launched, he was one of the main brains behind the project.

“Everything creative Team Geo did, either he thought of it, or had vetted, enabled, edited or enhanced it in some way,” says Mir Ibrahim Rahman, Geo TV’s Chief Executive Officer. 

His death triggered an outpour of condolences from fellow journalists, politicians, and celebrities. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the president of Jang and Geo group. 

In a statement on Friday, the premier said Imran Aslam had an eminent place in the journalistic community. He said Imran Aslam's services for the development of media would always be remembered. 

President Dr Arif Alvi also offered his condolences.

In a statement issued on Twitter, President Alvi said: "I offer condolence on death of a dear friend & an outstanding journalist Mr Imran Aslam. A thorough gentleman & a person who had a deep understanding of issues."

"May his soul rest in peace & may Allah provide strength to family & friends to bear this loss," he added.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman also expressed condolences on the death.