The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) President Iqbal Yousufi, along with office-bearers and members of the association, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the wife of Daily Jang News Editor Usman Yousaf.
In their condolence message, they prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed soul eternal peace and to give strength and patience to the bereaved family.
Published in Weekly Mazdoor 02-Feb-2008
Alas... Iqbal Yousufi
By Muhammad Badar Munir
It was the night between the 18th and 19th of January when I woke up to the cries of women. Startled, I sat up. Someone told me, “Iqbal has passed away.”
That news shattered me completely. Although death is an undeniable reality of life, I could hardly believe it. He seemed perfectly fine—healthy and active—and had just crossed the age of sixty.
A little later, when I saw his lifeless body—covered in blood—I stood there speechless and motionless. Many doubts arose in my mind: could it be some other tragedy? But soon someone conveyed the doctor’s words—that Iqbal had been suffering from a stomach ulcer, which had suddenly ruptured and caused his death.
Iqbal had a habit of concealing his ailments, a family trait we seem to have inherited from our ancestors. From the preparations for his funeral to his burial, all stages passed before my eyes while I remained in a state of shock.
Iqbal... Iqbal Yousufi.
His sudden departure deeply grieved me and the entire family. Every message of condolence from friends and relatives reopened the wound.
He was the dearest of all to our parents and to the whole family. Among his friends, he was immensely popular—always concerned about his colleagues from his student days and his fellow journalists. He cared little for his own problems but was restless to solve the problems of others.
Shakil Adilzada, editor of Sab Rang, had been his classmate at Urdu College. Whenever Sab Rang failed to publish for months, Iqbal would become anxious and continuously call Shakil, pestering him out of affection.
If any journalist faced a problem, Iqbal would not rest until it was resolved. He spent most of his earnings on helping others. Many journalists were able to secure plots or houses through his tireless efforts—yet he himself lived in a rented home until his last day.
Recently, in an article published in Nawa-i-Waqt, he had offered, on behalf of the Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA), to take full responsibility for supporting the family of a martyred journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Iqbal personally bore the expenses of PFJA’s activities. His compassion was not limited to his colleagues; whenever he heard of human suffering anywhere, he became deeply distressed and took every possible step to help.
For the stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh and for the victims of the Kashmir earthquake, Iqbal actively raised donations for Nawa-i-Waqt’s relief fund.
Iqbal Yousufi was my brother — our beloved one.
But none of us could truly understand the pain he carried within. Not even his closest companions, with whom he spent most of his time. He always appeared cheerful and full of life among them.
Yet, when the time of his departure came, only a few people were around him. Though hundreds accompanied him to his final resting place, those who stood nearest were the simple, ordinary people—his neighbors—whose problems he used to solve beyond his professional responsibilities.
Everyone was weeping, praising his kindness and mourning the loss of a man who lived for others.
— Muhammad Badar Munir
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) President Iqbal Yousufi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the father of journalist and Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) President Bakhtgir Chaudhry.
In his condolence message, Yousufi prayed to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to give strength and patience to the bereaved family.
پاکستان فری لانس جرنلسٹس ایسوسی ایشن کے صدر اقبال یوسفی نے صحافی اور پنجاب یونین آف جرنلسٹس کے صدر بختگیر چوہدری کے والد کے انتقال پر گہرے رنج و غم کا اظہار کیا ہے۔
اپنے تعزیتی پیغام میں انہوں نے دعا کی کہ اللہ تعالیٰ مرحوم کو جنت الفردوس میں اعلیٰ مقام عطا فرمائے اور لواحقین کو صبرِ جمیل عطا کرے۔
LAHORE: The son of senior journalist Sarmad Bashir, who works at The Nation, passed away on Monday night due to cardiac arrest at Ittefaq Hospital.
The deceased, Sajawal Sarmad (14), was laid to rest at the G-Block Model Town graveyard. A large number of journalists, colleagues, and friends attended the funeral to express solidarity with the bereaved family.
The Qul will be held on Friday after Zuhr prayers at 143-2C/II, Township, Lahore, while a special dua will be offered after Asr prayers.
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) condoled with Sarmad Bashir over the tragic loss. Iqbal Yousufi, President of PFJA, expressed deep sorrow and sympathy with the grieving family.
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| ZA Sureli's death widely condoled |
Prominent political leaders, distinguished scholars, and members of the media community expressed profound grief over the passing of veteran journalist Z.A. Suleri. Prayers were offered for the departed soul, asking Allah Almighty to grant him eternal peace and to give strength to his family in bearing this irreparable loss.
Governor Shahid Hamid, while condoling Suleri’s death, said that he rendered invaluable services in the field of journalism and earned distinction in every editorial capacity he served. He noted that Suleri’s professional dedication and commitment to responsible journalism would be remembered for a long time.
Punjab Transport Minister Irfan Ahmad Daha stated that the deceased was a devoted worker of the Muslim League. He said the party had lost a gentle, intelligent, and industrious member whose contribution would remain unforgettable.
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Naib Amir Liaqat Baloch described Suleri’s passing as a national tragedy. They highlighted the vital role he played during the Pakistan Movement, his unwavering support for press freedom, and his commitment to high-quality journalism. They added that he was a patriotic Pakistani who firmly upheld Pakistan Ideology and the two-nation theory.
Chief of Markazi Jamaat Ahle Hadith Pakistan Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer said that Suleri devoted his entire life to Islam and Pakistan. He remarked that although his death closed an important chapter in national journalism, his writings would continue to guide and inspire generations.
A meeting of Majlise Karkunani Tehrik Pakistan, chaired by Akram Ali Khan, also offered condolences. Those present included Ali Muhtashim, Brig (retd) Zafar Iqbal Chaudhary, Rana Safdar Jang, Col (retd) Jamshed Ahmad Khan Tareen, Dr Iqbal Sarhindi, Ch Abdur Rasheed, and numerous others who paid tribute to Suleri’s services.
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Members including Allama Anwar Zahoori, Iqbal Yousufi, Prof Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Kamal Rizvi, Naeem Qureshi, Ibrahim Tahir, Tanveer Zuberi, and Shaukat Ullah offered prayers and acknowledged his remarkable contribution to national journalism.
In a separate condolence message, Governor Shahid Hamid once again praised Suleri’s meritorious services and prayed for the departed soul.
Punjab Minister for Transport Irfan Ahmad Khan Daha and Chairman Task Force Punjab for Essential Items S.A. Hameed also expressed their grief. They emphasized that Suleri was not only a respected journalist but also an active worker of the Pakistan Movement whose service to the nation would be remembered for years to come.
The Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA), through its Chairman S.H. Hashmi, expressed heartfelt condolences. Hashmi noted that Suleri was an active participant in the Pakistan Movement and worked throughout his life for the betterment of the nation. The association prayed for the bereaved family and asked Allah to grant them courage and patience.
