The senior journalist, intellectual and renowned writer Altaf Hassan Qureshi passed away in Lahore at the age of 94 after a prolonged illness.
In this regard, the veteran journalist had been unwell for some time and breathed his last in Lahore. The funeral prayers will be offered on Sunday after Zuhr prayers at Jamia Ashrafia.
The late Altaf Hassan Qureshi leaves behind five sons and four daughters to mourn his death. The passing has been widely mourned by members of the journalistic, literary and academic communities across Pakistan, who acknowledged his decades-long contribution to journalism and intellectual discourse.
In this sense, Altaf Hassan Qureshi remained associated with journalism for several decades and earned recognition as one of the country’s respected media figures.
He served for a long period as the chief editor of the monthly publication Urdu Digest, where his editorial work and analytical writings gained significant readership among Urdu readers in Pakistan and abroad.
He was also known for his literary and scholarly contributions. During his career, he authored several notable books that reflected his views on politics, society and national affairs. His well-known publications include “Mulaqatein,” “Muqabil Hai Aaina,” “Chhay Nuqat Ki Sachi Tasveer,” “Nok-e-Zabaan,” and “Mashriqi Pakistan: Toota Hua Sitara.”
Meanwhile, a special book titled “Altaf Sahafat” was published in 2019, highlighting his professional achievements and intellectual legacy.
So far, the colleagues and admirers described Altaf Hassan Qureshi as a principled journalist and thoughtful writer whose work influenced generations of readers and journalists. The social and literary circles have continued to express grief over his demise, while prayers are being offered for the departed soul.
The death marks the end of an era in Urdu journalism, as Pakistan bids farewell to one of its senior-most journalists and respected literary personalities.
