Imran Aslam, a giant of journalism, passes away at 70

Imran Aslam, Group President of Geo and Jang, has passed away at 70 years of age, Geo News reported Friday.

The veteran journalist, scriptwriter, thespian, voice-over artist and TV network head had been ill for some time and was undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Aslam was born in 1951 in Madras, now known as Chennai. He studied in London in the 70s.

He was part of the Geo launch team. Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Super were launched under his guidance. The visionary's journalist was also a founding member of Pakistan's prominent English newspaper The News.

He was chief news editor and senior editor at The News.

Aside from journalism, Aslam wrote more than 60 successful plays that graced the stage and television.

Riaz Aslam, the journalist's brother, said their sister and Aslam's son will arrive from London for the funeral.

Imran Aslam's son funeral prayers will be offered tomorrow afternoon at his residence followed by a burial at a graveyard in DHA, Phase 8.

Condolences pour in

Condolences started pouring in from the media industry and others on Twitter Friday morning as soon as news of the journalist's passing emerged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep grief and sorrow over Aslam's death, said in a statement that the journalist had an eminent place in the journalistic community.

Aslam's services for the development of media will always be remembered, he said.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, in her condolence message, said Aslam had a brilliant journalistic career and his services will always be remembered.

Aurangzeb expressed sympathies with the bereaved family, saying May Allah Almighty grant the deceased highest ranks in Jannatul Firdous.

Other, too, shared condolence messages on Twitter.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, too, expressed his condolences over Aslam's demise.

"Imran Aslam's services in journalism and literature will always be remembered," said the Sindh CM.

JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman also expressed sadness over Aslam's death. "I am deeply saddened by the death of president of Geo and Jang," said Fazl, adding that his journalistic services will be remembered.

The JUI-F chief prayed for his maghfirat.

Note: Updated with Imran Aslam's correct year of birth, 1951, not 1952 as erroneously written earlier.