HYDERABAD, Jan 18 Noted writer Ghulam Rabbani Agro died in a hospital here on Monday. He was 77.

He leaves behind wife, two sons and a daughter.

He was a chronic diabetes patient and suffered a massive heart attack at his residence here on Sunday night. He was immediately taken to Hilal-i-Ahmer cardiac hospital, Latifabad, but could not survive.

His body was taken to his native village Mohammad Khan Agro near Kandiaro.

Mr Agro was born in the village in 1933. He was appointed first pro-vice chancellor of the Sindh University when renowned poet Shaikh Ayaz was its vice-chancellor.

Mr Agro had been associated with the Sindhi Adabi Board for many years and had remained its secretary and chairman.

He had served as the chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters for four years and also remained a member of the Federal Public Service Commission. At the time of his death, he was consultant to the provincial ombudsman.

He was author of several books. His most celebrated works were “Aaab-i-Hayat” and “Jehra Gul Gulab Ja”, the last book based on the sketches of renowned personalities he had come across during his life.

Meanwhile, University of Sindh Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nazir A. Mughal has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Mr Agro.

In a condolence message, he said that Mr Agro was a man of letters and had rendered great services to Sindh, Pakistan and the university in different capacities.

The VC has expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.