Pakistan, Lahore, Thursday, November 22, 2012
The entire Pakistan football fraternity was today shocked by the sad demise of senior footballer enthusiast and tournament organizer Usman Baloch who died in road accident on Wednesday. He was 62. From officials to fans, from journalists to students, his alma-mater, all are grieved at this devastating news.
According to the press release issued here by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), President PFF, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat in his condolence message said that I was deeply saddened by the death of Usman Baloch. This must be very difficult for all football lovers and players. He will remain in my thoughts and my prayers. Usman Baloch was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I will remember his contribution for the development of football in Pakistan. The loss to the football is irreparable, and it will be very difficult to fill the vacuum created by the passing away of such a great soccer organizer of Pakistan at this moment.
Secretary General PFF, Lt. Col. ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi T1 (M) said “I am shocked to learn of the death of Usman Baloch. He was one of the greatest footballers ever produced by Pakistan. I wish to express my deep sorrow, and sincerely sympathize with his family in this bereave moment.”
He remained active in football circles for over 40 years and was the first organizer to have found sponsors for football tournaments to popularize the sport in the country. He was a former national referee and ex-secretary of District Football Association Malir. He leaves behind a widow, two sons and three daughters. One of his sons Ishaq Baloch is a football referee.