Memorial lecture: Tributes paid to late scholar Abdullah Malik

His noteworthy contribution was his work on Punjab’s political movements

LAHORE: Journalist and political historian Abdullah Malik was honoured for his work at an event organised at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) auditorium on Saturday.

Human rights activist IA Rehman delivered a detailed talk on ‘8th Abdulla Malik Memorial Lecture: Abdulla Malik’s work on History’ while the memorial lecture was presided over by Government College University, Lahore Vice Chancellor Dr Hassan Amir Shah.

Rehman said that Abdullah penned many books on history which should also be of interest to academics studying and researching history. He was of the view that Abdulla gave an alternative view of history and the lessons also applied to the present. He also read out several passages from his books.

He pointed out that Abdullah’s book on the Bengali Muslim’s struggle for independence during 1757-1857 and his analysis on the freedom struggle and its implications for the later independence struggle in the sub-continent were worth special note, he said.

Rehman said that another noteworthy contribution by Abdullah was his work on the Punjab’s political movements. He added that he had also worked extensively on the impact of relationship and power structure of military on the politics of Pakistan.

Sharing his interactions with Abdulla, Dr Hassan said: “I was introduced to Abdulla in 1972 when I was preparing to go to Russia for studies. Although he was a friend of my father but he made friends with people of every age.

Age was not a barrier when speaking to Malik.” He said that he was a friend, teacher and mentor for many people.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri also attended the lecture.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2016.