Leading Pakistani journalist dies

The veteran Pakistani journalist, Aziz Siddiqui, who rose to national prominence in the 1980s, has died at the age of sixty-six.

His frequent criticisms of the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq made him one of Pakistan's most influential journalists.

After a period as editor of The Pakistan Times, Mr Saddiqui joined the country's Human Rights Commission as joint director.

One of his colleagues has described Mr Siddiqui as having blended profound scholarship with a deep commitment to ideals.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service