By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, June 24 (IANS) Singer Adnan Sami said his father, a prominent Pakistani diplomat, passed away in a hospital here Monday and as per his last wish the body will be flown to Islamabad to be buried near his home.

Arshad Sami Khan died from cancer of the pancreas and the funeral is to be held Friday, the singer said.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani are expected to attend Arshad Sami’s state funeral in Islamabad.

“He will be getting a full state funeral with a 21-gun salute. And yes, the prime minister and president are coming. My mom, son and brother are flying into Karachi from Mumbai Thursday and from there we take a connecting flight to Islamabad where the burial will take place on Friday after the Jumma prayers,” Adnan told IANS before flying off to Pakistan.

Adnan, who is of Pakistani descent but was born and brought up in Britain, has been living in Mumbai for quite some time.

His father was close to many of Pakistan’s political elite.

Early this year when Adnan’s father was down here from Houston for a holiday, he had a relapse of the cancer and was taken to Criticare for treatment. Later he was shifted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

“You know he died on my brother’s birthday. We did our best for him. My only regret is that we could spend only 15 minutes of his last moments when we could’ve been with him much longer if my dear wife (estranged wife Sabah) hadn’t chosen that morning to visit our home. But I guess god is watching,” said Adnan.

After his father’s death, Adnan immediately contacted the Indian government to allow him to fly to Islamabad.

“The Indian authorities have been exceptionally co-operative and a wonderful support to me and and my family in this hour of distress. I can’t thank them enough,” said Adnan emotionally.