LAHORE, Nov 5: Senior journalist Akhtar Hayat died here in a local hospital on Tuesday due to head injuries he had suffered in a road accident. He was 60.
A motorcycle hit him outside the Lahore Press Club on Monday and he was admitted to the Lahore General Hospital. He died on Tuesday morning. He is survived by two sons.
A large number of journalists, family members and people from all walks of life attended his funeral prayers held at the mosque of the Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme. He was later laid to rest in the Miani Sahib Graveyard.
Akhtar Hayat was friendly, affectionate and had a sharp sense of humour. He was cooperative and loved by the community for his large-heartedness.
His career spanned over four decades during which he worked for a number of Urdu newspapers and two TV channels, Aaj and City 42.
He had special love for his city, Lahore. He used to write a column “Lahore Abad Rahe Ga” in the City 42 newspaper, also hosting a programme in the TV channel entitled “Ye Hai Lahore,” exploring various aspects of the historic city. He also used to write verse.
Qul will be held at Jamia Masjid near his residence, 85-A, in the Lahore Press Club Housing Scheme after Zohr prayers.
Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the journalists’ community have expressed grief over the death of Hayat.
