Veteran journalist Imran Aslam passes away at 70

The 70-year-old was undergoing treatment at a local hospital as he was unwell for some time

Veteran journalist and the president of Geo and Jang Group Imran Aslam passed away on Friday at the age of 70.

According to Geo News, Aslam was undergoing treatment at a local hospital as he was unwell for some time.

Born in Madras, India in 1952, Aslam studied in London during the 70s. During his three-decade-long journalism career, he was a founding member of the English-language newspaper The News and also served as the newspaper's chief news editor and senior editor.

Geo News, Geo Entertainment, and Geo Super TV channels were also launched under his leadership.

The 70-year-old also made a career in script writing and wrote over 60 drama scripts that appeared on television and on stage.

Details of his funeral are yet to be announced as the family is waiting for his sister and his son to arrive from London.

Condolences from journalists and others poured in soon after the news of his passing.

Read: Iqra University founder Hunaid Lakhani passes away at 49

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said in a tweet that the news of the demise of his colleague was “shocking”.

“May Allah give his family strength to bear the loss. He was one of the finest person I came across since the days I first met him in 90s in daily The Star,” he added.

Shocking new. My old colleague and presently Group President GEO and Jang, Imran Aslam has passed away this morning. May Allah give his family strength to bear the loss. He was one of the finest person i came across since the days i first met him in 90s in daily The Star.

— Mazhar Abbas (@MazharAbbasGEO) December 2, 2022

Renowned journalist Iftikhar Ahmad said he lost his mentor today.

“Imran Aslam was a giant of Journalism, they don't make people like him anymore. This is such an irreparable loss for his family and friends,” he added.

I have lost my mentor today. Imran Aslam was a giant of Journalism, they don't make people like him anymore. This is such an irreparable loss for his family and friends. May Allah rest his soul in Peace, Ameen.

— Iftikhar Ahmad (@jawabdeyh) December 2, 2022

Nadeem Farooq Paracha also remembered the 70-year-old as his mentor.

“For me, he was a mentor, friend and inspiration. Just can’t believe he’s gone. Good bye, guru. May your soul rest in peace,” he added.

Journalist and playwright Imran Aslam is no more. For me, he was a mentor, friend and inspiration. Just can’t believe he’s gone. Good bye, guru. May your soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Z78Hu9ouNv

— Nadeem Farooq Paracha (@NadeemfParacha) December 2, 2022

Journalist Mosharraf Zaidi said it was “literally the end of an era”.

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

First Tito, now Imran Aslam. Literally the end of an era. 😔

— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) December 2, 2022

Former diplomat Maleeha Lodhi said she was heartbroken to hear of Aslam's passing.

Heartbroken to hear about the passing away of Imran Aslam An outstanding professional , a caring human being and a close friend. May Allah give him a place in Jannat. Ameen pic.twitter.com/nhAPyjyEyw

— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) December 2, 2022