KARACHI: Idrees Bakhtiar, a known journalist also identified among the pioneers of investigative journalism in the country, passed away here Wednesday evening.

It was only in the early hours this morning that he was brought to National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in a precarious condition.

The seasoned journalist reportedly underwent angio-plasty, a surgical procedure, under emergency condition but could not regain consciousness.

With an experience of over 50 years in the field he remained associated with Dawn Group of Publications for quite some time and acquired recognition for his contributions published in daily Star and monthly Herald.

Idrees Bakhtiar, later-on also worked for British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Voice of America (VOA) before joining Jang Group of News papers and Head of Editorial Committee, GEO TV.

According to his family sources funeral prayer will be offered Thursday morning at a mosque located near his residence in Waseem Bagh, Gulshan e Iqbal, block 13-D followed by burial at Yasinabad grave-yard.