Diplomatic maestro and cricket visionary Shaharyar Khan passes away

Former foreign secretary and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaharyar Khan, passed away on Saturday in Lahore after a prolonged illness. He was 89.

Born in 1934, Shaharyar Khan joined the Foreign Service in 1957 and served until his retirement as foreign secretary in 1994.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed condolences over Khan’s demise, acknowledging his distinguished service to Pakistan both as a diplomat and as chairman of the PCB. "He will be greatly missed," Dar said, praying for Allah to grant him a higher place in Jannah and offer solace to his family and friends.

The Foreign Office paid tribute to the former ambassador and high commissioner, honouring his significant contributions in safeguarding Pakistan’s diplomatic interests.

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Qazi expressed deep sorrow at Khan’s passing, hailing him as "one of Pakistan’s finest diplomats." Qazi emphasized Khan's enduring legacy of achievements in safeguarding and advancing Pakistan’s interests.

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Shaharyar Khan served as Ambassador to Jordan and France, as well as High Commissioner to London. From 1994 to 1996, he held the position of special representative to the UN Secretary-General overseeing peacekeeping operations in Rwanda.

A devoted cricket enthusiast, Shaharyar Khan served two terms as chairman of the PCB, from 2003 to 2006 and then from 2014 to 2017.

Federal Interior Minister and PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed grief at Khan’s passing, remembering him as "a fine administrator" who served Pakistan Cricket with "utmost dedication." Naqvi highlighted Khan's invaluable contributions to the growth and development of cricket in the country.

Born in Bhopal, India, Shaharyar Khan was also an accomplished author, known for works such as "The Begums of Bhopal", "The Shallow Graves of Rwanda", "Cricket: A Bridge of Peace", and "Bhopal Connections."