Ace guitarist Aamir Zaki passes away at 49

Aamir Zaki, musician extraordinaire, passed away on Friday. He was 49.

Reports from family say that the cause of his death was heart failure.

Born in Saudi Arabia in 1968, Zaki started playing the guitar at age 14.

He was first discovered by musician Alamgir when he was aged 16. Zaki toured extensively with Alamgir, playing a 'Flying V' guitar that he built himself. Zaki was known to make his own guitars through his career.

Zaki also toured with Vital Signs, before being asked to leave the band.

He then launched into a solo career.

Aamir Zaki's debut album, Signature, was released in 1994 and it became quite a hit. He was awarded a Soundcraft Gold Disc for the album, which carried the mega-hit 'Mera Pyaar'.

The elusive Zaki spent much of his career collaborating with other musicians.

He will be remembered as one of the finest jazz, blues and rock'n'roll guitar players to have come out of Pakistan.

Musicians, celebrities and writers across the country took to Twitter to express their condolences.

The Express Tribune reports that his funeral will be held tomorrow (Saturday, June 3, 2017).