KARACHI, April 26: Syed Naseer Haider, CEO and chairman of the International Advertising Limited (Saatchi & Saatchi), who passed away on Tuesday, was laid to rest on Wednesday. The funeral prayers were largely attended.

Mr Haider was 68. He was one of the most respected professionals in advertising industry of Pakistan. He left behind his wife Rubi Haider, one son and two daughters.

Syed Naseer Haider, a graduate of Gordon College, Rawalpindi, started his career as an advertising manager with the Textile Journal in early 60s. He joined the IAL and in-house advertising agency of the PIA as client service manager. He was the first Pakistani employee to join such a prestigious advertising company.

He was promoted as general manager in 1972 and executive director in 1984. When the IAL was privatized in early 2000, he was given the post of chairman and chief executive officer.

Mr Haider had also served as secretary-general of the Pakistan Advertising Association for a considerable period. He was an affable person with a cheerful disposition and had a large circle of friends.