Prominent poet, drama writer Amjad Islam Amjad passes away in Lahore at the age of 78
LAORE/ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (SABAH): Renowned drama writer and poet Amjad Islam Amjad passed away on Friday in Lahore due to sudden cardiac arrest. He was not suffering from any chronic disease and died at the age of 78. His funeral has not been announced yet but his burial will take place in Lahore.
Amjad Islam Amjad received ample recognition for his contributions in Urdu literature. He wrote several books. Amjad Islam Amjad also received several awards including the Pride of Performance and Sitara e Imtiaz on his literary work.
Amjad was born on August 4, 1944 in Lahore. He did his Maters in Urdu from University of Punjab in 1967. In 1968, he was appointed as an Urdu professor in the MAO College Lahore. He continued to be a professor there until 1975. Same year in August, he became the deputy director in Punjab’s Arts Council.
He has been a vital part of the literary world. Some of his famous dramas include; Varis, Din, Fishar and many more. In 1975, his famous TV drama Khuwab Jaagtay Hain won an award.
He also translated the poetries of the African poets in Urdu called Kale Logon ki Roshan Nazmein.
Amjad Islam Amjad also wrote dramas based on criticism. He has been honoured with many national and international awards. He received the Pride of Performance in 1987 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1998. Later on, he also received the prestigious Tamgh-e-Imtiaz in 1998.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr. Arif Alvi have expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Amjad Islam Amjad.
In their separate condolence messages, the Prime Minister and President said Pakistan has lost a great poet and writer whose valuable services in the field of art and literature will always be remembered.
Paying rich tribute to the late writer, they said Amjad Islam Amjad left a huge void in Urdu literature that cannot be filled. They prayed for high ranks of the departed soul in the hereafter and patience for his bereaved family. They also He expressed sympathies with bereaved family.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also sent his condolences to his family. “Amjad Islam Amjad gave Pakistan memorable TV dramas such as Waris, Fishar and Samandar. His literary contributions will be remembered for ages. His death has deprived Pakistani literature of a great author and poet,” he said.
Meanwhile Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of Amjad Islam Amjad. In a statement issued on twitter on Friday, Maraym Nawaz said that she was deeply saddened at the demise of Amjad Islam Amjad, a legendary poet and author who left an indelible impact on the world of Urdu literature. His words will live on, inspiring generations to come. Rest in peace, Amjad Sahib, she wrote.
Governor of Punjab Engineer Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman also expressed grief over Amjad’s demise. He prayed for him to have a high rank in heaven. “Undoubtedly, Amjad Islam Amjad was Pakistan’s number one drama writer. He made a name for himself with his unique poetry. Poets, literaries and drama writers like him are born after decades. May Allah grant the deceased’s family beautiful patience,” he said.
Caretaker Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir offered his condolences upon hearing of the renowned author’s death. “Amjad Islam Amjad is among historic literary personalities, I commend him on his educational and literary services. The gap that he leaves behind can never be filled. Presidential award winner Amjad does not only hold a unique spot in Pakistan but also the world. May Allah grant him a high rank in heaven and grant his family forbearance.”