Renowned writer Dr Asif Farrukhi passes away

Acclaimed for his writing and literary criticism, he was a founder member of KLF

KARACHI: Renowned scholar, writer and literary critic Dr Asif Farrukhi passed away at the age of 60 in Karachi on Monday.

Dr Farrukhi, who was diabetic, had reportedly been unwell in recent days. His funeral prayers will be offered today (Tuesday) at the University of Karachi's Jamia Mosque after Asr prayers and he will be laid to rest at the varsity's graveyard.

Born on September 16, 1959, in Farrukhabad, he was the son of fiction writer Dr Aslam Farrukhi, with many in his family having literary credentials to their names.

Having completed his MBBS from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), he later acquired a Masters in public health from Harvard University and served as a faculty member at Aga Khan University Hospital from 1985 to 1993.

A founder member of Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), Dr Farrukhi was one of the pioneers in launching the trend of literary festivals across Pakistan.

He also worked with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund from 1994 to 2014 and then joined Habib University as the interim dean and associate professor of humanities and social sciences. At the time of his death, he was the director of the Arzu Centre for Regional Languages and Humanities at Habib University.

Dr Farrukhi authored six compilations of short stories and two books of literary criticism, while also being the editor of literary journal 'Duniyazad'. He also published translations of prose and poetry from modern and classical writers, while his recent work included a collection of critical essays on Manto and an anthology of writings about Karachi.

He was honoured with the Adab Award in 1995 and the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in 2005 for his contributions to the field of literature.

As news of his passing emerged, tributes poured in from his friends and colleagues. KLF co-founder Ameena Saiyid said he was "a literary giant," adding that he had devoted his life to promoting literature in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, sociologist Nida Kirmani tweeted that he "was a cultural and intellectual beacon for this city," adding that his passing was an "unbelievable loss for all of us and for Karachi."