KARACHI, July 10: Syed Jauhar Hussain, a debater and former student leader, died here after a brief illness at a local hospital on Thursday. He was 65.

His Namaz-i-Janaza was offered at Masjid-i-Babul Ilm, Gulshan-i-Iqbal after Magribain. He was laid to rest at Sakhi Hassan graveyard.

Jauhar Hussain was the eldest son of the eminent scholar and educationist, late Prof Karrar Hussain, and brother of the PPP’s information secretary, Taj Haider.

As an active member and leader of the National Students Federation, he always remained in the forefront of student movements in Karachi during 1960s. He enjoyed great respect and good following in student circles and politics for his integrity and devotion.

Jauhar Hussain was one of the 12 student activists who were externed from Karachi for leading the campaign against a plan aimed at making degree course a three-year one.

For his passion for reading and writing, he joined the National Centre as director.

In 1988, jauhar Hussain was posted in Kenya as press attache. After returning from the diplomatic assignment, he served for a short duration in PID at Islamabad.

He also remained associated as consultant with different organizations before his indisposition.

A large number of relatives, friends and political leaders attended his funeral. They included Ghazi Salahuddin, Fatahyab Ali Khan, Mairaj Mohammad Khan, Senator Raza Rabbani, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Dost Mohammad Faizi.

Soyem will be held on at 4.30pm on Sunday (July 13) at Masjid-i-Babul Ilm, Gulshan-i-Iqbal.