Minhas Zulfiqar (second from right) with Premier Barry O’Farrell, Ajay Khanna and David Elliott when Crowne Plaza Norwest won an award last year.
Community leaders are mourning the sudden death of Crowne Plaza Norwest managing director Minhas Zulfiqar in Karachi, Pakistan last night.
Mr Zulfiqar was the victim of an aggravated robbery outside of an ATM in Karachi and leaves behind his wife, Razia, his two adult sons and a grandson.
He was driving back to his accommodation after withdrawing money from a nearby bank when a number of motorcyclists opened fire on his vehicle on Wednesday, according to reports.
The 55-year-old was shot multiple times in the upper body and was pronounced dead at hospital a short time later.
After shooting Mr Zulfiqar, the bandits then robbed him of his money, the Daily Times in Pakistan said.
Mr Zulfiqar and his wife had been on a working holiday, visiting family in Karachi and attending to shops they own in the Pakistani city after making a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia about 10 days ago.
They were due to fly back to Australia on the night he was killed.
Mitchell MP Alex Hawke described Mr Zulfiqar as a ‘‘pillar of our community’’ in the House of Representatives this morning (Thursday).
‘‘Minhas Zulfiqar ... gave of himself for the betterment of all those in our community,’’ Mr Hawke said.
‘‘Minhas was very generous when it came to community service and worthy causes.
“Getting to know him personally, he was a warm and peaceful person who was a standard bearer for successful migration from Pakistan to Australia, founding a business, becoming an owner of some prominent hotels in Sydney including the Crowne Plaza Norwest.
“It was also an institution that he used to successfully fund-raise for many charities and do much good for our community.
‘‘Whether that be the Inala Cherrybrook facility for the disabled community, the flood relief, fund-raisers for Pakistan, the Norwest Crowne Plaza hotel was always at the forefront of worthy fund-raising and initiatives to do good for our community.’’
Baulkham Hills MP David Elliott echoed Mr Hawke’s sentiments.
‘‘Minhas was a larger than life identity,’’ he said.
‘‘I cannot recall a local event or charity that has not benefited from his generosity.
‘‘Minhas was a friend and counsellor to local politicians of all colours.
‘‘He loved the Hills community and was proud of his hotel.’’
Hills mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said she enjoyed Mr Zulfiqar’s company and that his loss would be felt throughout the business community.
‘‘I always enjoyed talking to Minhas. He was a gentle giant and a truly wonderful man,’’ Cr Byrne said.
‘‘Like everyone who has heard the news today, I was deeply shocked.
‘‘Minhas was committed to being an active member of the Hills community. He was always very generous with his time and hosted many events at the Crowne Plaza.”