Transitions: Journalist, educationist Anwar Lala passes away

Played key role in movement against Ayub Khan; pioneer of Pakhtunkhwa Ulasi Tehreek

PESHAWAR: Veteran educationist and journalist Mohammad Anwar Khan Durrani died of cardiac arrest late Sunday. He was 69.

Durrani, popularly known as Anwar Lala, was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Peshawar. The funeral was attended by a large number of people from different walks of life. Prayers for the deceased will be held at his residence in Madina Colony, Kohat Road on Tuesday.

The late veteran did his Masters in Political Science and English from University of Peshawar. He ended up playing a key role as student leader against Ayub Khan in 1960s.

Durrani also served as a senior subeditor at The Frontier Post for a couple of years. He was also a columnist for a number of local Urdu and Pashto newspapers.

During his career as a journalist, Durrani remained in close contact with politicians from progressive, democratic and nationalist groups. He was also one of the pioneers of Aman Tehreek and Pakhtunkhwa Ulasi Tehreek.

Upon completion of his education, Durrani joined University Public School as a teacher. Later, he worked at Peshawar Model School. He also held the privilege of translating a dictionary from Pashto to English.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2016.