LAHORE  -   Senior journalist and columnist Rahimullah Yusufzai passed away in Peshawar on Thursday after protracted illness. He was 66 and was suffering from cancer. Rahimullah was considered an authority on Afghan affairs due to his vast experience. President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa,  Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan have expressed deep sorrow and grief over his demise. In a tweet on Thursday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Rahimullah Yousufzai was one of Pakistan's most respected journalists. He was an opinion maker because his columns were well researched. The Prime Minister also prayed for the bereaved family. In his condolence message, President Dr Arif Alawi expressed grief over the death of a senior journalist.  The President prayed for the departed soul and bereaved family.  DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar tweets, “General Qamar Javed Bajwa, #COAS, expresses heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of veteran senior journalist Rahimullah Yusufzai. May Allah bless his soul & give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Ameen,” COAS.” In a tweet, Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Rahimullah Yousafzai's death marks the end of an era of journalism. He said Rahimullah Yousafzai's grip on issues of Afghanistan and our border areas can hardly be anyone else's expertise. He prayed for the departed soul and bereaved family.