The Siddiqui family offers their prayers and condolences to the family of journalist Najeeb Ahmed
Our heart felt condolences to the family of the respected journalist Najeeb Ahmed (1961 – 2009).
The family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui would like to express our shock and deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Najeeb Ahmed who passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009 in Karachi.
Ironically, Mr. Ahmed's last public statement (video) on Human Rights Day (Wednesday, Dec 9th) focused on the case of Dr. Aafia and he made a public announcement testifying to her abduction and stated that specific military intelligence agencies had in fact abducted Dr. Aafia and her children and then handed them over to foreign agencies. He was working on an exposé of specific people involved in the abductions. He encouraged the people of Pakistan to work to get her returned safely to Pakistan.
Sadly, 24 hours later, he died of sudden heart failure.
Mr. Ahmed was one of the rare journalists who, even in the face of pressure, conducted courageous, independent and detailed investigations. Because of this commitment he was renowned and respected as one of Pakistan's preeminent investigative reporters. His standing among his peers was well noted as was his stubborn pursuit of the truth. Among his pursuits was the case of missing persons, including that of Dr. Aafia. He had reported on her abduction in March 2003 and had kept an active file on the case. Mr. Ahmed's passing will leave a major hole in the ranks of ethical and serious journalists everywhere.
We are saddened by his sudden passing. Our heartfelt sorrow and prayers are with his mother, wife, sister, and children. May God Almighty grant them patience to withstand this shock and May God grant Najeeb Ahmed a place in the highest level of heaven.
"From God we all come and unto Him we all must return" The Holy Quran.
The family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui
