KOHAT: Former governor Lt-Gen retired Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah died of heart attack here on Sunday.

Born on March 14, 1949 in the family of Mians, he was considered close aide of former military ruler Gen retired Prevez Musharraf, as under whose regime, he served as governor, federal minister for communications and ambassador to Turkey.

Numerous projects like Kohat Friendship Tunnel, Kohat University of Science and Technology, board of secondary education, Kohat, Federal Education Academy, colleges and hospitals were constructed during his tenures as the minister and the provincial governor.

The late general remained Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor from 2000 to 2005. He joined army in 1964 and was elevated to the post of lieutenant general in 2000.

The late governor’s funeral prayers would be held at the Fort Ground at 4pm on Monday (today). A large number of people from different walks of life, including army officials and politicians, are expected to attend his funeral.

His absence would be felt forever as he mingled with common people setting aside his protocol.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman on Sunday expressed grief and sorrow over the sad death of his predecessor.

In his condolence message issued in Peshawar, Mr Farman expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and courage to the aggrieved family to bear this irreparable loss with patience.

Shah Farman said services of the late governor for the province in general and for tribal areas in particular would be remembered forever.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2020