KARACHI: The funeral prayer of Imran Aslam, president of Geo and Jang Group, will be offered today (Saturday) in Karachi.
Aslam, one of the country’s most veteran journalists, died a day ago at the age of 70. He had been ill for some time and was being treated at a local hospital.
Aslam went to work for a few hours a day until he could no longer work. Last Monday, his system failed and he was rushed to the hospital. His wife Ferishta Gati says the only consolation was that he was not in pain because he was so unconscious.
His funeral prayer will be offered at his residence at 4 pm followed by burial at the Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 8 graveyard.
Aslam was among the pioneers who spearheaded the launch of Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Super, while he was also a founding member of the English language newspaper The News.
The journalist was also Chief News Editor and Senior Editor of The News. He also had a career in scriptwriting and wrote more than 60 plays that appeared on stage and television.
Aslam joined The News as News Editor in Karachi when the paper started in 1991 and was one of the brains behind the project when Geo was launched in 2002.
“Everything was done by the creative team at geo, either they thought of it, or tested it, activated it, modified it or enhanced it in some way,” says Mir Ibrahim Rehman, Chief Executive Officer, geo TV.
His death drew condolences from fellow journalists, politicians and celebrities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Jang and the president of Geo Group.
In a statement on Friday, the Prime Minister said that Imran Aslam holds a prominent position in the journalistic community. He said that Imran Aslam’s services for the development of media will always be remembered.
Saddened by the passing of veteran journalist and president of Geo TV Imran Aslam. He belonged to a breed of journalists who made eminent contribution to the development of Pakistani journalism. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & colleagues.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 2, 2022
President Dr. Arif Alvi also expressed his condolences on the death of Aslam.
In a statement on Twitter, President Alvi said: “I condole the death of a dear friend and distinguished journalist, Mr. Imran Aslam. A complete gentleman and a person with deep understanding of issues.”
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.
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) December 2, 2022
إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
May his soul rest in peace & may Allah provide strength to family & friends to bear this loss.
“May his soul rest in peace and may God give his family and friends the strength to bear this loss,” he added.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and JUI(F) chief Fazlur Rehman also expressed their condolences on his demise.
