KARACHI: Kassim Parekh, who passed away on Friday, was one of the most distinguished bankers ofPakistan.

A banker to the core, he joined the Habib Bank Limited in 1949 at the young age of 18 and faithfully remained associated with the banking sector for 68 long years.

Mr Parekh was held in high esteem by the owners of the country`s first pre-partition big bank, the HBL, where he gradually climbed the ladder to lead it as its president till 1988.

Recognising his acumen, the government of that time appointed Kassim Parekh as the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, a post he held for about a year between 1989 and 1990.

At the time of his death on Friday, he held the reins of the Habib Metropolitan Bank Ltd.

`Pakistan has lost one of its most experienced professionals,` said Syed Ali Raza, a former president of the National Bank of Pakistan. Paying homage, he said, `Kassim Bhai`s intimate knowledge of Pakistan`s business environment and his ability to deal with financial institutions and clients were unique.

Kassim Parekh was buried at the Mewa Shah Graveyard on Friday and his soyem was held on Saturday.