Former foreign secretary Riaz Khokhar passes away in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Former Foreign Secretary and diplomatc Riaz Hussain Khokhar passed away after a brief illness, according to private news channels.
His funeral prayers will be offered at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) where he will be laid to rest.
Riaz Hussain Khokhar was born on December 31, 1942. He served as Pakistan’s ambassador to India, the United States and China before leading the top post of Foreign Secretary.
Khokhar joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan on 10 October 1966. He served as foreign secretary June 2002 to February 2005.
In September 2003, Riaz Khokhar briefed a group of Kashmiri leaders on the upcoming India-Pakistan talks before he left for New Delhi for talks with India.
Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi extended his heartfelt condolences over the demise of the former diplomat and commiserated with the bereaved family.
Solangi paid rich tribute to the foreign secretary on his diplomatic services for the country, which will always be remembered.
Riaz Khokhar had represented Pakistan in leading capitals of the world, including Washington, Beijing, and New Delhi. He continued extending his precious advices to the state of Pakistan as well as his services on the academic front even after his retirement and till last day of his life.
Senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sherry Rehman expressed her sincere condolences with the family and loved ones of the late ambassador.
“The late ambassador was always such a strong advocate of a progressive Pakistan and fiercely independent who served as Pakistan’s foreign secretary among many other diplomatic posts in tough situations. Khokhar was always on the phone or in person to share his intellectual capital”, she shared massage on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Former bureaucrats and political leaders expressed their condolences over sad demise of Riaz Khokhar and paid tribute to the departed soul for his professional conduct during his service.
Very sorry to hear that Riaz Khokhar has passed away. He was always such a strong advocate of a progressive Pakistan, and fiercely independent. Served as Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary among many other diplomatic posts in tough situations. Was always ready on the phone or in person… pic.twitter.com/y8i3CYHL5g
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) December 26, 2023
Amb Riaz Khokhar has passed away. He was a giant of a man- an extraordinary human being with a heart of gold, a professional to the core who cared immensely about Pakistan. He had the sharpest memory and was never afraid of speaking the truth. He is irreplaceable. @Mumtazzb
— Tehmina Janjua (@TehminaJanjua) December 26, 2023
Very sad to learn that Riaz Khokhar has passed away. He served Pakistan with distinction. Was a strong nationalist, a caring human being and wonderful friend. May Allah rest him in peace.
— Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) December 26, 2023