Naeemul Haque's funeral prayers to be held in Karachi today

The funeral prayers of Naeemul Haque, one of the senior-most members of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), who passed away Saturday night, will be offered in Karachi today, Geo News reported.

Haque, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, passed away at the age of 70 in Karachi. He had been battling cancer for the last two years.

A banker and businessman by profession and one of the co-founders of the ruling party, Haque was instrumental in promoting positive change in Pakistan as part of the PTI’s ideology.

In January 2018 seven months before the general elections, Haque was diagnosed with blood cancer. When the PTI finally came into power later that year, he was appointed a Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the PM and was involved in a number of initiatives ranging from housing scheme, party operations, strategic development goals and appointments.

PTI had tweeted its condolences, describing him as "a dedicated Pakistani, a loyal friend and a kind human being."

The prime minister, a close friend, said he was "devastated" by Haque's passing.

"He was one of the 10 founding members of the PTI and by far the most loyal," the prime minister wrote. "In 23 years of PTI's trials and tribulations, he stood by me. He was always there for support whenever we were at our lowest ebb."

"In the last two years, I saw him battle cancer with courage and optimism," PM Imran wrote.

"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."

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President also paid his respects to the deceased.

"Very sad to hear about the passing away of Naeem-ul-Haq. My profound condolences to the bereaved family and the PTI. May Allah rest his soul in peace!" he tweeted.