Zubair Qureshi
Veteran journalist and former editor of many English newspapers including Pakistan Observer, Col (R) Abdul Khaliq Chishti (AK Chishti) was laid to rest in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
He was over 80. He died in Quetta where he was staying with his son who is a Major in Pakistan Army.
According to a close relative, Col Chishti was facing difficulties in breathing and had a cardiac arrest that claimed his life.
His body was flown in from Quetta and his funeral prayers were offered at 9 p.m. at the Race Course Graveyard of Rawalpindi. His funeral prayers were attended by a large number of former colleagues— both from army and journalism—friends and family members.
Col (R) AK Chishti is survived by three sons and one daughter. His wife had passed away only a few months ago.
Col Chishti, as he was popularly known was a veteran journalist and commanded respect by local journalists of the twin cities.
Even during his service in the Pakistan Army he was taken in the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) for his excellent journalistic skills and flawless copy writing.
It was late 1990s and early 2000s when after retirement Col Chishti began his career in the realm of journalism. First, he joined “Muslim” but later switched over to “The Pakistan Times.” Then his services were once again hired by the ISPR but later he joined “The Frontier Post” Peshawar as Editor. He also worked as Editor of “Pakistan Observer” for a brief period. Though born in Kala Bagh, Mianwali, Col Chishti spent much of his life in Rawalpindi. He was a former student of Gordon College and during his illustrious career inspired and mentored quite a good number of journalists.
He had the good luck of working with big names like ABS Jafery whom he used to refer to as his mentor.
