PM condoles death of ex-union minister

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday condoled the death of former union minister Khurshed Alam Khan, father of External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and son-in-law of late president Zakir Hussain.

Khan, 94, died early Saturday at a city hospital where he was hospitalised following chest pain early this week.

He held the portfolio of external affairs ministry besides heading other ministries and had also served as governor.

According to the external affairs ministry, Salman Khurshid had pulled out of his visit to Turkey in view of personal bereavement.

He was to visit Turkey from July 20-22.

Manmohan Singh said: "In the passing away of Khurshed Alam Khan, India has lost a true son and servant of the nation. Khan served the nation with distinction in many capacities throughout his life which enriched our land."

"His leadership in India's foreign policy, education system and legislative affairs contributed immensely to the country's modern, liberal and democratic polity," he said.

The prime minister said Khan's commitment to the nation was deeply rooted in the abiding values of our constitution and the idea of an India envisioned by the founding fathers of our freedom struggle.

"Khan's work as a foreign minister, parliamentarian and educationist leaves us a legacy which future generations must emulate and nurture," he added.