It takes dictators to produce writers like Munnu Bhai

ISLAMABAD: Civil society journalists, writers and friends paid glowing tributes to late Muneer Ahmed Qureshi commonly known by his sobriquet Munnu Bhai at a reference held in his memory at Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday.

Munnu Bhai’s writings, plays, columns and poetry reflect the true face of society as he valiantly continued his struggle for human rights, and stood against dictatorships and tyranny with courage and determination, said renowned poetess Kishwar Naheed.



She said Munnu Bhai, like a doctor, had sensed the pain of the oppressed class, which reflect in his writings, columns and poetry.  “We have to keep the thoughts and works of Munnu Bhai alive and continue his struggle for the betterment of society ” she added.

Hamid Mir, senior journalist and anchorperson, said that Munnu Bhai’s love for humanity demanded that we should make his mission and struggle our mission and struggle. Reminiscing his memories and days spent in Munnu Bhai’s company, Mir said that there is great contribution of Munnu Bhai in his becoming a good columnist. He said Munnu Bhai was very courageous and bold  as he wrote so many plays, columns and poetry mostly against tyranny and dictatorship.



“I can’t see any replacement of Munnu Bhai, as we may need dictators like Gen. Ayub, Gen. Yahaya, Gen. Zia, and Gen Musharraf to produce a Munnu Bhai”, Mir added.  SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri said sustainable development was not possible without the creation of good literature, which speaks out for social justice, equality, peace and harmony.  

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2018.