KARACHI: Veteran diplomat Jamsheed Kekobad Ardeshir Marker, better known as Jamsheed Marker, passed away on Thursday, his family and friends said. He was 95.

Mr Marker served for three decades and in his long career he remained posted in more countries than any other diplomat.
Acclaimed Indian writer Vikram Seth expressed his grief over his death and said: “He will be missed not only by his family and country but by a wide circle of friends and admirers the world over.”

Recalling a meeting with Mr Marker on a visit to Karachi, he said: “I still remember it as a delightful (and inspiring) evening. He was surrounded by his family and the sounds of classical music. He was very well turned out but appeared somewhat frail.

“At first I hesitated to tax him with too much conversation. But this scruple didn’t last long, and I am sure I overstayed the expected length of my visit. Our talk ranged from cricket to diplomacy to writing; from the old school in Dehradun we both shared to the tragic frictions of the subcontinent we all share. I came out exhilarated by his vivacity and acuity — and hoping that at that age I might have something of either.”

Mr Marker’s funeral was held on Thursday at his Bath Island residence. Sarosh prayers for the departed soul would be held on Friday and Saturday at sunset while Uthamna prayers would be held on Saturday at 4:30pm at his residence.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2018