JEDDAH, 26 April 2005 — K.K. Jafarkhan, a veteran journalist and senior editor at Arab News, died of cardiac arrest here yesterday. He was 57.

Kamalalayam Kesavan Jafarkhan, who was at his desk editing and rewriting stories until late Sunday night, died peacefully in the afternoon in his post-lunch siesta. Jafarkhan, a postgraduate in engineering, is survived by his wife and two sons.

Arab News Editor in Chief Khaled Almaeena said from Dallas, Texas: “Jafarkhan was connected with the Arab world for over 30 years and had always been loyal to the Arab cause. He was a friend of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. He was a quiet and humble man. We’ll miss him.”

Ridah Larry, former editor in chief of Saudi Gazette, said: “Jafarkhan was one of the best journalists in Saudi Arabia and I’m speaking from my association with him during my Saudi Gazette days. I’m very sad at his passing away and offer my condolences to his family.”

Jafarkhan joined Arab News three years ago and was an asset to the editorial desk. “Jafarkhan will be remembered by the Arab News staff for his unassuming demeanor and rewriting skills. He was a hard worker and an integral part of the Arab News team,” a colleague remarked.

P.V. Vivekanand of Gulf Today, Sharjah, said: “Jafarkhan was a dedicated journalist and a man with ideas. He was instrumental in helping Gulf Today take a direction of its own.”

Abdul Rahim Ismail, senior manager at National Commercial Bank and a close friend of Jafarkhan, said: “I knew him for nearly 25 years. He was very lovable. I’ve lost a very good friend.”

A seasoned journalist with his career spanning nearly 35 years, Jafarkhan, who hailed from Trivandrum in the southern Indian state of Kerala, worked in several newspapers in India and the Gulf.

After a stint with Free Press Journal in Bombay, Jafarkhan joined the Saudi Gazette in 1977 and worked in senior editorial positions until 1990. Thereafter, he held senior positions at Gulf Times in Doha and Gulf Today in Sharjah. He was city editor at Khaleej Times and news editor at Gulf News, both in Dubai.