Former foreign secretary Najmuddin A. Shaikh passed away early Friday morning at his residence in Karachi, his family confirmed.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Najmuddin A. Shaikh. He left us peacefully in his home early Friday morning,” the family said in a statement. They requested everyone to recite Surah-e-Fatiha for his soul and pray for his peaceful journey to the afterlife.
His funeral prayers will be held today (28 March) after Asr at 5:15 pm at the DHA Phase VIII Graveyard in Karachi. Family members, friends and colleagues are expected to attend and pay their last respects.
Shaikh leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife of over 50 years, Raana Shaikh, his son Nadir, his daughter Nermeen, his daughter-in-law Sobia, and two grandchildren, Isaad and Lyali. His surviving siblings include brothers Riaz, Siraj, Ajaz and Fareed, and sisters Waheeda and Raffat. His nieces, nephews and a wide circle of friends and colleagues also dearly loved him.
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He had a distinguished career in Pakistan’s foreign service. He held key diplomatic positions, serving as Pakistan’s high commissioner to Canada and ambassador to Germany, the United States and Iran.
The deceased was also a former member of the board of governors at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad and a founding member of the Karachi Council of Foreign Relations. His contributions to diplomacy and international relations earned him great respect.
The passing of former foreign secretary Najmuddin A. Shaikh marks the end of an era in Pakistan’s diplomatic history. People will remember him for his service, wisdom and great contributions to international relations.