KARACHI: Dawn regrets to announce the death of Shaikhul Islam Maulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani who passed away at Baghdadul Jadid, Bahawalpur state, on Tuesday morning [Dec 13] at the age of 64 after a heart attack. The Federal Capital was plunged into sadness ... citizens ... showered praises on Maulana for his memorable services to Islam and Pakistan. Radio Pakistan ... [put] on the air recitations from the Holy Quran and Iqbal`s poems in place of music.

The Maulana had gone to Bahawalpur from Karachi at the invitation of the Education Minister of the State on Dec 8.

Having lately recovered from two attacks of malaria, [he] complained of general weakness on his arrival at Baghdad-ul-Jadid.

On Tuesday morning he ... complained of heaviness in the chest. All possible medical aid was rendered, but without effect and the Shaikhul Islam passed away at 11.40 a.m.

retaining consciousness to the last. Staff correspondent