LAHORE: Prominent columnist and poet Ajmal Niazi passed away on the early Monday in Lahore, his family said. He was 75.
His funeral will be offered at a cricket ground in Wahdat Colony neighbourhood at 4:30 pm today.
Author of several books including a biography of late Hameed Nizami, Niazi penned a weekly column — Bay Niaziyan — for Urdu-language Nawa-i-Waqt newspaper for a long time.
He also served as a lecturer in various colleges, including Forman Christian College and Government College University.
In recognition of his services, the government had bestowed on him Sitara-i-Imtiaz — third-highest civilian honour.
A large number of politicians, his readers and members of the journalism fraternity expressed their condolences over his death.
In a tweet, President Dr Arif Alvi paid tribute to Niazi for his invaluable services.
“Late Ajmal Niazi has left an eternal mark with his immense contribution to various domains, including literature and journalism,” the president said.
“مرحوم مختلف شعبوں میں خدمات سے خود کو امر کر گئے۔”
صدرِ مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کا معروف کالم نگار، صحافی اور ادیب ڈاکٹر محمد اجمل نیازی کی وفات پر اظہارِ افسوس pic.twitter.com/5RteIp5v5u
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) October 18, 2021
He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace, and for the patience of the bereaved family.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said Niazi strived to reform the society through the might of the pen.
He said Niazi’s services to the field of journalism will always be remembered. He also prayed to Allah to bless the departed soul and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.
