‘Magician of Pakistan’ passes away

Family demands recognition, support from govt

PESHAWAR:

‘Magician of Pakistan’ Iqbal Hussain passed away in Peshawar late on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Hussain was listed in category-A of registered magicians in Pakistan and was the president of the Magicians of Pakistan Association.

Born in Peshawar, he lived in Landi Arbab, a village in the suburbs of Peshawar with his wife and four sons.

His family said that Hussain was rushed to a nearby hospital late on Wednesday night after he complained of chest pain where he breathed his last.

Hussain’s son Asif told The Express Tribune that his father's tricks had earned him widespread fame and was known for his street magic and cards tricks.

“My father devoted his entire life to the art of magic and taught his unique tricks and skills to others,” he said, noting that this had earned him great respect amongst the young and the old whom he visited across the country.

Asif said that Hussain had been performing since the 1980s and had enjoyed an extended stint on Pakistan Television (PTV) from 1990 to 1998.

He also performed at some of the leading hotels of the country. Hussain was also a senior member of the International Brothers of Magician America, United Magicians of Pakistan, and had showcased his talents abroad including in China, India and Hong Kong.

Asif lamented that he had been teaching and performing magic at the national and international stage but never received any appreciation or financial support from the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2020.