GUJRAT, Jan 15: A telephone operator died due to cardiac arrest just six hours before the execution of his son who was hanged in the district jail here on Wednesday.

Kakrali police had lodged an FIR against Ghulam Farid on the charges of killing Riaz over a minor dispute on March 17, 1992. Additional district and sessions judge Abdul Hameed Khattak had handed down Farid death sentence on April 16, 1994. His mercy appeals had been rejected by Lahore High Court, Supreme Court and president on different occasions.

On Jan 1, 2003, D&S judge Raja Abdul Qayyum had issued his black warrants for Jan 15. During the last fortnight, Ghulam Nabi and other family members tried their best for reconciliation with the slain family, but to no avail. Nabi was in a state of severe shock after the failure of his efforts. Late Tuesday night, he suffered a heart attack and died.

However, death of Nabi could not prove a hinder in the execution of Farid who was hanged on Wednesday morning. His body was handed over to his heirs.