KARACHI: The prestigious Pakistan Open Golf Championship would be returning to Karachi after one year and will be staged here from January 29 to February 1, Taimur Hassan, Secretary Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), said on Wednesday.

The US$400,000 was scheduled to be held at Karachi Golf Club last January but was postponed due to security concerns following the assassination of former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

"I had a fruitful meeting with Asian Tour Director Kya Han in Singapore and he has allocated the slot to PGF," he said. He informed that the Asian Tour Director was very positive for the event in Pakistan.

Taimur Hassan, who himself remained a golfer of international repute for over a decade, said PGF Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kiayani was taking personal interest in holding of the Pakistan Open.

He revealed that Pakistan golfer Muhammad Munir was doing great on the Asian Tour in India and Singapore.

He said Munir finished eighth among the galaxy of top golfers from across the world in the Indian Open scooping a handsome purse of US$24,000 and collected US$14,000 in the Santosa Open in Singapore.

He said it was very encouraging news from Pakistan standards and it will help in boosting the game in the country. He said Munir with fellow Pakistan pro Shabbir Iqbal featured in the Santonsa Open.

Taimur Hassan said two Pakistanis Umer Ghayas and Jamal left for the Indian Academy to attend the teaching school in Chandigarh (India) being held there from November 18-24.

"Passing the school will help them in qualify for next grade," he said. The PGF Secretary said this the first golf academy established by World Golf Federation in India.