ISLAMABAD, June 26: The untimely death of Omar Asghar Khan, ex-federal minister for labour, manpower, overseas Pakistanis and local government, was widely condoled by the government officials and non- governmental organizations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Former prime minister and PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto has offered her condolence through PPP central secretary coordination and former senator Malik Hakmeen Khan, who called on Air Marshal (Rtd) Asghar Khan in Abbottabad on Wednesday.

Benazir Bhutto paid tributes to late Omar Asghar Khan for his social services and political struggle.

Federal Minister for Information and Media Development Nisar A Memon, in a message to veteran politician Air Marshal (Rtd) Asghar Khan, expressed deep sorrow and regret over untimely death of his son.

The minister said Omar Asghar Khan was known for his excellent work in the field of community development.

Mr Memon said as a federal minister, Omar Asghar Khan played an active role in accelerating government’s efforts for environment protection and labour rights.

Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Khair Mohammad Junejo, in a message to his family, said Omar was very loving man and he was committed to change the lot of poor.

He was among the few people who spend their lives to reduce the problems of poor people and work wholeheartedly for the destitute section of society.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Housing, Abbas Sarfraz, in a condolence message, expressed his deep sorrow and grief at the untimely demise of Omar Asghar. He said Omar was being considered as one of the prominent leaders among the new breed of politicians and his untimely death has created a vacuum.

Acting President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Hussain A Ozgen has expressed his profound shock and grief over the tragic death of former federal minister Omar Asghar Khan.

According to a statement issued here Wednesday, Vice-President Rizwan Mohammad, former presidents and executive members of RCCI prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the parents and widow of the deceased fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss and give eternal peace to the departed soul.

The federal minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs Dr Khalid Ranjha has expressed deep sense of shock and grief over the sudden and sad demise of Omar Asghar Khan.

In his message to Omar’s parents and family, Dr Khalid Ranjha said he was sad to hear the news of Omar’s demise. He was a hard working, and loving man. — Agencies

Our Reporter adds: Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Sparc) has condoled the sad and untimely death of Omar Asghar Khan and expressed its condolences to his family.

Federal Minister for Minorities, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Col (Rtd) S K Tressler has expressed his deep sense of shock and grief over the sudden demise of Omar Asghar.

In separately issued statements, the federal minister for environment, local government and rural development, Barrister Shahida Jamil and Chairman Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Imran Khan have condoled the untimely death of Omar Asghar Khan here on Tuesday.