Dawn’s former news editor Jamil Akhtar passes away

E-Paper | March 16, 2026

KARACHI: Jamil Akhtar, a former news editor of daily Dawn, passed away on Sunday, according to the family. He was 79.

Mr Akhtar remained associated with journalism for half a century and worked for various news organisations in former East Pakistan, China and the UAE as well as Pakistan in senior positions.

He was admitted to Ziauddin Hospital on March 14 after suffering from some chest problem and died at 8.10pm on Sunday, said his son, Muhammad Altamash.

He is survived by his widow and two sons.

Namaz-i-Janaza will be held at Sultan Masjid in Phase V, DHA, on Monday (today) after Asr prayer.

Jamil Akhtar started his career at Dhaka with the Morning News. Later, he worked for a radio network in China for several years. He joined Khaleej Times as its news editor in 1979 and remained there till early 2000s. He joined Dawn as its news editor in 2004. He retired in 2016.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2019

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Zak

Mar 25, 2019 11:20am

Dawn is one of the foundation pillars of Pakistan, right from the beginning and people like Mr Akhtar helped establish it. Prayers for him and his family.

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Indian

Mar 25, 2019 11:21am

RIP sir..respect from other side of border. I have been enjoying Dawn for more than 2 years. Pervez Hoodbuoy got me here. I am glad.

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Techscribe

Mar 25, 2019 11:58am

RIP Sir. This is from an old school journo from across the border.

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KAZIM REZA

Mar 25, 2019 12:44pm

His name had been pronounced with a great reverence here in Dhaka, I yet remember during early stage of my career.Once I was told that at National Press Club that meaning of Jamil is only one and only Jamil Bhai! Prayers for him, his family and the Dawn media.

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Govardhan Lal Bhatia

Mar 25, 2019 12:52pm

RIP, Really cherish reading Dawn, some of the most beautiful articles i have read is from Dawn. I am sure Mr Akthar had laid a good foundation for the younger generation

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Najma Hisham

Mar 25, 2019 12:58pm

My respect and condolences to the family.

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Haseeb haider

Mar 25, 2019 12:58pm

RIP.

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Sanjay Upadhya

Mar 25, 2019 07:16pm

I had the privilege of working under Jamil Sahab at Khaleej Times (1997-2000) and learned so much from him about the daily editorial and production processes. I recall how quickly his enthusiasm and affability permeated the entire newsroom upon his arrival each afternoon. He was a great journalist and a greater human being. RIP Sir.

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AZAM AKBAR

Mar 26, 2019 12:16am

Inna Lillaahe Wa Inna Ilaiehe Rajeoun.

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