Nawaz Sharif condoles Dev Anand’s death

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Former Premier Nawaz Sharif has expressed grief at the death of legendary actor Dev Anand, describing him as a personal friend who worked for peace between India and Pakistan.

In a condolence message, Sharif said Dev Anand was not only a popular artiste but a personal friend with whom he had a number of memorable meetings.

The efforts made by Dev Anand to foster peace between India and Pakistan commendable, he said.

Sharif recalled that the actor had come to Lahore with then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999.

Noting that Dev Anand had studied at the Government College in Lahore, Sharif said this was a factor for their friendship.

Sharif said he had wanted the actor to come to Lahore again so that they could have refreshed their memories of Government College.

He added that he would have liked to hold a function in Dev Anand’s honour in Lahore but life did not give him time.

Appreciating the artistic services of Dev Anand, Sharif said his death had shocked the film industry and art lovers across the world.

He said that though the "ambassador of peace had left us", he believed the journey of peace started by Dev Anand would reach its destination.

The Old Ravians Union too has condoled the death of Dev Anand, a former Old Ravian.

According to a statement issued by the organisation, Dev Anand had graduated in English literature from the Government College in Lahore in the early 1940s.

He was proud to be an Old Ravain and explicitly expressed his love for his alma mater on many occasions, the statement said.

News reports of Dev Anand's death at the age of 88 were carried on the front page of most Pakistani dailies while TV news channels aired special reports on life and movies.

"Dev Anand’s romance with life cut short," said the headline in The Express Tribune.