ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: Seasoned film director Pervaiz Malik was laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard here on Wednesday.

A large number of people belonging to different walks of life attended the burial. Pervaiz Malik, who was a chronic heart patient, had breathed his last on Tuesday after cardiac arrest. He had been living with his sons in Islamabad for the last few years.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief over the death of eminent filmmaker Pervaiz Malik.

The prime minister in his condolence message said the demise of Pervaiz Malik had created a vacuum in the film industry, which was difficult to fill.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

Acting President Dr Fehmida Mirza and Acting Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi have also expressed grief over the death of the seasoned filmmaker

In their separate messages, they paid tribute to the deceased and said his meritorious services in the field of filmmaking would be remembered forever. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the family members to bear the loss with equanimity.

Malik’s directorial career spans over 4o years. His debut film was Heera Aur Pathar released in 1964 starring Waheed Murad. He was the first qualified film director of the country having a foreign degree.

Arman, the first platinum jubilee flick of the country, took his professional worth to new heights. Shabana, Qurbani and Gumnam are also considered among the best of his directions.