“We are extremely shocked and are still coming to terms"
A Blackburn-based businessman tragically died following a gas cylinder blast in Pakistan.
Tributes have subsequently been paid to the father-of-four.
Qasar Akbar was known to many as ‘Ketcho’. He helped run his family business H & S Living, which is situated on Montague Street.
Forty-two-year-old Qasar and his three friends had been visiting the city of Sargodha in Pakistan when they were caught up in the gas cylinder explosion.
The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, 2020, and it sadly resulted in the deaths of all four men.
Qasar and one friend died on the same day while the other two men later succumbed to their injuries.
Qasar is the son of Chaudry Akbar Hussain who helped establish H & S Furniture in the town more than 30 years ago. It is still run by family members and brothers Faisal, Yaser, Naser and Hassan.
People were advised not to visit the house during the forthcoming days as Coronavirus restrictions are still in place.
On August 19, 2020, a family tribute read:
“It is great sadness that we learned of the death of son, brother, husband, uncle and much-loved father Qasar.
“We are extremely shocked and are still coming to terms with this terrible tragedy. We find solace in the fact that Qasar left us all with such wonderful memories which we will cherish forever.
“It has been humbling and beautiful to hear of his friends here in the UK paying tributes to him over the past few days.
“The family would like to deeply thank the overwhelming calls of compassion and condolences from friends and family during this difficult time.
“We would also like to thank all those whose thoughts are with us but have not been able to visit us during this time.
“Our thoughts are also with the families and friends of all three men who died in this tragedy.”
In a previous incident, a businessman was shot dead after leaving his mother’s home in Jhelum, Pakistan.
Jahangir Hussain ran the Zorba Pizza and Balti takeaway with his brother in Rossendale, Lancashire. He frequently travelled to Pakistan to visit family.
Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: “I was horrified to hear about this incident and Mr Hussain’s sister has contacted me for assistance.
“I am liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and understand that the matter is being handled by their murder and manslaughter team. I am expecting updates.”
A murder investigation was launched.
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