Celebrated playwright, actor Shoaib Hashmi breathes his last

LAHORE: Veteran playwright, actor and professor Shoaib Hashmi breathed his last on Monday.

Shoaib Hashmi who had been bedridden for the last 14 years, breathed his last on Monday. The news was shared on Twitter by Adil Najam that the well-known Pakistani actor is no more.

Shoaib Hashmi’s health condition was not stable as he had suffered a stroke 14 years ago, after which he had been on bed, unable to speak or walk by himself. Shoaib Hashmi had written and acted in popular dramas of the 1970s. Shoaib Hashmi’s famous dramas included ‘Akkar Bakkar’, ‘Sach Gup’, ‘Taal Matol’ and ‘Balila’.

In 1990, Shoaib Hashmi used to write a column in a newspaper under the title of Taal Matol. Shoaib Hashmi had received the best performance award in 1995 and was also honoured with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

He completed Masters of Arts in Economics at Government College (now Government College University), Lahore. He received his MSc degree from London School of Economics (LSE) and studied theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.

He married Salima Hashmi, the daughter of noted Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The couple had two children from the wedlock. Hashmi was known for his comedy shows of 1970s. He had taught economics at GCU, Lahore and Lahore School for Economics.

In acknowledgement of his services, he had been conferred Pride of Performance and Medal of Excellence.

PM, Infroamtion Minister grieved over sad demise 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed grief over the demise of prominent playwright, comedian, teacher and poet Shoaib Hashmi.

The prime minister sympathised with Muniza Hashmi, Saleema Hashmi and other members of the bereaved family of Shoaib Hashmi, who was also the son-in-law of renowned poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

The prime minister said that late Shoaib Hashmi had made a remarkable contribution to the golden era of Pakistan Television and also introduced new dynamics in the comic programs.

He said late Shoaib Hashmi also wrote historic and unforgettable plays which highlighted great values, traditions and ideologies. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the writers and intellectuals like Shoaib Hashmi had taught manners and ethics to the society. His death is a huge loss the society, art and literature, he added.

He prayed to Allah Almighty for peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.