Naeemul Haq and Imran Khan share a light moment. File

Sakeena Banday, Staff Reporter

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan tweeted that he was ‘devastated’ as one of his oldest friends passed away, Naeemul Haq on 15 February after prolonged illness.

He was special assistant to Imran Khan and was one of the founding members of PTI. He died in Karachi at the age of 70.

Imran expressed his grief and sorrow including various other politicians on Twitter and soon after condolence messages flooded on their official accounts.

Imran tweeted saying, “I am devastated by one of my oldest friend Naeem's passing. He was one of the 10 founding members of PTI & by far the most loyal. In 23 years of PTI's trials & tribulations, he stood by me. He was always there for support whenever we were at our lowest ebb.”

Imran Khan and Naeemul Haq arrive for an event in Pakistan. File

He further tweeted, “My heart is sore and mournful at the mercy of old friend Naeemul Haq. Whenever it was time for us to go to trial, I found them on my side.”

“In the last two years I saw him battle cancer with courage and optimism. Till the very end he was involved in Party affairs and attended cabinet meetings as long as he was able. His passing has left an irreplaceable void. Their grace has created a vacuum that will never be filled,” PM Imran wrote.