Appearing from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad & Quetta

Friday, November 13, 2009, Zhul-Q'ada 24, 1430

Iran Consulate Director PR assassinated
President, PM condemn

Rahmatullah

Peshawar—Director Public Relations Iranian Consulate in Peshawar, Ab-ul-Hassan Jeffery was shot dead by unknown armed men near his house at posh location Gulbarg in cantonment area here on Thursday.

Rated among the veteran journalists of Peshawar, late Jeffery also served Pakistan Observer as senior reporter in 1992-93.

The Police and the eyewitness said the gunmen opened fire at Ab-ul-Hassan as he came out to leave for the consulate in his car at about 8.10 a.m.

He was showered with bullets by two unknown assailants who managed to make good their escape after committing the heinous crime.

He was rushed to CMH Peshawar where he lost battle for the life and succumbed to injuries after a short while. He was 55 and is survived by a widow and a daughter

Known for his pleasant nature and balanced disposition, Abul Hassan Jeffery was popular among cross section of society, particularly journalist community.

Last rituals of Ab-ul-Hassan were performed in Mohallah Marvi Ha in the interior of Peshawar city.

His cold blooded murder has caused resentment and grief among the citizens of Peshawar specially the Media persons who have demanded of the government to apprehend the assassins of son of the soil at the earliest.

He also served in local English dailies including the Frontier Post and Statesman.

Governor NWFP Awais Ahmad Ghani and Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti have strongly condemned the murder of Abul Hassan Jeffery who fell prey to terrorism in Peshawar. They expressed the resolve to bring the killers to book at the earliest. CM Hoti has ordered early inquiry into the gruesome murder of Mr. Jeffery.

It may be recalled that Commercial Councilor at the Iranian Consulate in Peshawar Hashmat Atherzaday who was abducted some 14 months back, continues to be missing.

President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani said the relations between Pakistan and Iran were very strong and deep rooted and could not be impacted by such acts.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has strongly condemned the murder of Mr. Abul Hasan Jaffri.

The Foreign Minister said that those who committed this heinous crime will be brought to justice.

The NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Director Public Relations of Iranian Consulate Syed Abul Hassan Jaafri who was assassinated Thursday at Peshawar.

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