ISLAMABAD: Syed Razi Ahmed Rizvi, former senior news editor at Pakistan Television (PTV) and ex-editor at Voice of America (VOA)`s Urdu service, passed away in Islamabad due to cardiac arrest. He was 81 years old.

Rizvi, who was visitingPakistan, had been admitted to a hospital in Islamabad on Friday after experiencing health complications. He was diagnosed with pneumonia, but suffered a fatal heart attack on Saturday morning.

After completing his education, Rizvi began his journalism career in Dhaka with the PPI news agency. In 1967, he joined the Asian Television Service, a subsidiary of PTV, as news producer.

He later served as a senior news producer at the Karachi Television Centre in 1970 and was appointed news editor at the Rawalpindi-Islamabad centre in April 1972.

In 1978, he was promoted to senior news editor and also held responsibilities as deputy controller in the current affairs department.

In July 1985, Rizvi moved to Washington DC, where he joined Voice of America and served it for nearly 38 years.

A seasoned journalist fluent in Urdu and English, Rizvi played a crucial role in training many reporters, editors and news producers throughout his career.

Details about his funeral and burial will be announced after consultation with his children in the United States. Staff Reporter