Pakistan minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry

NEW DELHI/ ISLAMABAD : Pakistan minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of veteran Indian journalist and author Kuldeep Nayar .

A close aide of Pakistan PM Imran Khan , the minister in a statement said that the deceased was a "shining star of lofty journalistic traditions and used the power of his pen for ending hatred and bringing the people of the entire region closer to each other".

Nayar was seen as a peacenik who always advocated engagement with Pakistan to address outstanding issues. He was much admired for his views on Pakistan. A Pakistan official described him as one of Pakistan's best friends in India for his efforts in improving ties between the 2 countries.

Chaudhry said that his services as a pro-peace journalist and activist would be long remembered

"The minister also expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies for the family of the late journalist," said the statement.

The veteran journalist, who fought for press freedom and civil liberties, is survived by his wife and two sons. Nayar, who was born in Sialkot in Pakistan in 1923.

