PESHAWAR: A week after the death of his elder brother, the General Secretary of the Awami National Party (ANP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and prominent cultural activist, Nizar Yousafzai has passed away after sudden heart attack in Swabi on Thursday.
His funeral was offered in Shah Mansoor, Swabi, this afternoon. Nationalist politicians, cultural activists and local people attended his funeral prayer. Last week, he had lost his elder brother, Riaz Khan Yousafzai.
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Late Yousafzai was associated as reporter with Shamshad TV, a private television station in the United Arab Emirates, and was a well-known social and political figure. Shamshad TV also expressed grief over his demise and said that Yousafzai not only had a journalistic career, but also made significant contributions to the civil and cultural activities.
Pashtun political and cultural figures have expressed grief over his untimely death. In a condolence message on the Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said, “Nizar Yousafzai has played a leading role in the political and cultural activities of the Pashtuns in the UAE, preaching the teachings of Bacha Khan. The ANP will stand by his family in this difficult time.”
Afrasiab Khattak, a human rights activist and former member Senate, also expressed sorrow over Yousafzai’s death. “Nizar Yousafzai had a mad love for his country and people. He will always be remembered.”
The chief of National Democratic Movement and Member of Parliament from North Waziristan Mohsin Dawar said, “Nizar Yousafzai has immense love for the Pashtun Afghan homeland. We will always remember him.” Renowned singer Haroon Bacha wrote, “Nizar Yousafzai was from my village. He loved my songs and I loved his love for Pashtun nation.”
Senior Vice President of the Awami National Party Ameer Haider Khan Hoti also expressed grief and sorrow over Yousafzai’s untimely death. Hoti wrote, “Deeply saddened to hear about the sad demise of General Secretary ANP in UAE Nizar Yousafzai. He was true follower of the legacy of Bacha Khan till last breath. Our deepest condolences to his family and May Allah give enough strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.”