KARACHI, Jan 15: A known social figure and promoter of cultural activities in the city, Saifur Rehman Grami, passed away during open heart surgery on Tuesday. He was 66.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

In his professional career, Mr Grami served in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for 25 years and was a former vice-president and secretary of the Arts Council Karachi.

He achieved remarkable feats as KMC culture, social welfare and sports director and had a prominent role in setting up the Sadequain Art Gallery.

As an office-bearer of the Arts Council, he organised many an event and came up with inventive ideas to promote art-related and cultural activities in the city. The idea for the koocha-i-saqafat was his brainchild.

Mr Grami’s death has sent a shockwave among his friends, colleagues and admirers.

Speaking to Dawn, Arts Council President Ahmed Shah said he was saddened by Mr Grami’s death as he had learnt a great deal about running the affairs of the council from him.

Funereal prayers for Mr Grami will be held at Baitul Mukarram mosque after Zuhr on Wednesday.