Literary community mourns the loss of famous writer Munnu bhai

Aged 85, the columnist passed away earlier today

LAHORE: Famous columnist and writer Munir Qureshi, popularly known as Munnu bhai, aged 85 died this morning in Lahore. His funeral prayer will be held in Rewaz Garden after Asr prayer today.

Renowned writer, poet Munnu Bhai passes away in Lahore https://t.co/J1TliQlPse pic.twitter.com/jL5ySLVCVy

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 19, 2018

Born in Wazirabad, Munnu bhai started his career as a translator in a leading daily newspaper. During his journalistic career, he was associated with various publications in Pakistan. His column titled Girebaan was popular because of his creative pieces that centered on a very humanistic angle.

In the span of his career, Munnu bhai also wrote for a few super hit PTV dramas such as Sona Chandi, Aashiyana, Dasht, Gumshuda, Khubsoorat amongst many others. He was also awarded the Pride of Performance by the government of Pakistan.

PHOTO: PAKOBSERVER.COM

Renowned drama writer, Asghar Nadeem Syed expressed his condolences on the unfortunate demise of his colleague. He said, "It is a sad day as a close friend and a talented writer has died today. Munnu bhai was a very good Punjabi poet and I'm glad to have gotten the opportunity to enjoy his company while he was alive. I remember he once joined me on a trip and I was very impressed by his thoughts. His visions and ideology reflected mine."

#RIP Funeral prayer of #MunnuBhai for his eternal peace will be offered in Riwaz Garden, Lahore after Asr prayer; he will be laid to rest in Miani Sahib cemetery https://t.co/J1TliQlPse pic.twitter.com/T5092JDSfA

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 19, 2018

Speaking of the now late writer, Asghar continued, "He wrote a book titled Jangal Udaas Hai in which he spoke about great writers after they had passed away. However, today Munnu bhai is the one to leave us. I am deeply saddened and hope to pay tribute to his services."

PHOTO: PAKISTAN360DEGRESS.COM

Professor Dr Munawer Sabir also had a few good words to say. He shared, "Munnu bhai was a sincere, humble and an honest man. His life and journalistic career is something for all of us to look up to. Besides being associated with several social and welfare organisations, Munnu bhai was also a member of the Lahore Press Club. I believe that his death is the end of an era and the entire literary community is grieving his loss."

Renowned journalist, columnist, poet and writer #MunnuBhai was awarded Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 2007 for his services to the nation https://t.co/J1TliQlPse pic.twitter.com/uVddxTW6aC

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 19, 2018

Famed Punjabi poet Baba Najmi also mourned the unfortunate demise of the writer. He said, "Munnu bhai's work is an asset for the entire nation. He will always be remembered for his wonderful services to the country."

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran columnist Munnu Bhai and lauded his role in highlighting issues throughout his life.

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over the demise of Munnu Bhai.

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