ISLAMABAD, July 25: Ayub Bukhsh Awan, the senior-most IP/PSP officer in Pakistan, passed away here on Friday morning at the age of 90.

He is survived by a widow, two daughters, a son, grandchildren and great-grand-children, and a large number of friends.

His funeral procession will be taken from his house No. 7 Street 88, G-6/3 at 10am and will be laid to rest at the Islamabad Graveyard on Saturday.

The late A.B. Awan joined the Indian Police (IP) as assistant superintendent in 1935. He served as Inspector-general of NWFP police, IGP of the West Pakistan and director Intelligence Bureau (IB) with the status of federal secretary, a post which he held for eight years. He served as senior superintendent of police, Peshawar as well holding various command positions in the Frontier Constabulary.

He also served as superintendents of Mardan and Hazara police.

In 1967 he was appointed interior secretary from which position he retired.

During the course of his remarkable career, he attained the position of IG Police at the age of 39.

In recognition of his meritorious services he was awarded the Police Medal, Sitara-i-Khidmat, Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam and Sitara-i-Pakistan, as well as awards for gallantry in action.

After retirement Mr Awan maintained his passion for reading with a special interest in the history of Afghanistan and developments in Central Asia and the sub-continent.

He wrote a widely acclaimed book on Balochistan as well as a regular series of articles in various newspapers, including Dawn.

He was also a member of the governing body of the Islamabad Council of World Affairs and the Citizens Committee of Islamabad.