Obituaries
Khawaja Khurshid Anwer | March 21, 1912-October 30, 1984
The man who only gave music for 29 films in his career spanning four decades, left indelible impression on music in the Pakistani and Indian music. Khawaja Khurshid Anwer is remembered for his astute music sense and unflinching work ethic. Khawaja Khurshid Anwer was a profound audiophile, artiste, writer, director, philosopher and an active agent …
Jamal Khashoggi, Journalist, Blogger, reformist, friend.
October 13, 1958—disappeared October 2018 When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I’m from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised? —Writes Jamal Khashoggi in his column titled; Saudi Arabia wasn’t always this repressive. Now it’s …
Kulsoom Nawaz (29th March, 1950-11th September, 2018)
Dubbed by the PML-N party-workers as the Mother of Democracy, Kulsoom Nawaz will be remembered as a gentle and cultured matriarch. Her steadfastness and service for her family, the party and the country earned her respect from friends and foes alike. As wife of a prime minister, political leader and party head, her role wasn’t …
Samina Sindhu, Singer, 28, Larkana.
Samina Sindhu was killed in a shocking attack during her performance in Kanga, near Larkana city, Sindh. According to media reports the 28 year old was a local celebrity. She was known for her Sindhi repertoire and sang folk and Sufi music. Samina had a dedicated streak and had published 8 albums until her untimely …
Ayaz Soomro, Politician, 60, Manhattan.
Ayaz Soomro is name associated with Pakistan People Party’s (PPP) Larkana division for his lifelong commitment as a Jiala, party worker, and a lawyer. He started his political career early on as a student leader during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s time. Later he was jailed many a times for his political stance during the Movement for …
Mohammad Ashiq, Former Olympian, 83, Lahore.
Mohammad Ashiq was a true hero of Pakistan’s sports. In 1960-64 Sumer Olympics, the athlete brought many medals home. In the 1960 he contested and won laurels and the hearts of sports lovers in the Olympics and Asian Games and other international events as a cyclist amid other sports events. At the age of 25, …
Jam Mohammad Saqi, 73, Hyderabad.
Jam Saqi’s name is synonymous with the leftist politics in Pakistan. As a social rights worker, his life was invested in a struggle against the feudal powers oppressing the poor downtrodden masses. His political journey started during his school days with his signature campaign demanding education to include mother tongue. Formal political work commenced upon …
Stephen Hawking, 76
BBC Stephen Hawking – who died aged 76 – battled motor neurone disease to become one of the most respected and best-known scientists of his age. A man of great humour, he became a popular ambassador for science and was always careful to ensure that the general public had ready access to his work. His …
Sridevi, 54, Dubai.
The sultry siren Sridevi was not only a super star of Bollywood cinema but ruled the hearts and minds of Pakistani fans for over 3 decades. Her career started as a child actor and she became a big name of the south Indian Cinema before heading to conquer the Mumbai-based Bollywood. Himmetwala, Masoom, Chandni, Nagina, …
Matloob-ur-Rehman (Munna Lahori), 68. Lahore.
Munna Lahori captured the hearts and minds of the Pakistani children through his riveting performance through the early 1990s. He received notoriety for his character Zakoota Jin in a PTV children’s serial Ainak Wala Jin. Short statured and doe-eyed Munna Lahori was the perfect part for the Jin that all Pakistani children befriended through their …