A huge loss: PM, President among others mourn Amjad Islam Amjad's demise

President Arif Alvi, PM Shehaz Sharif and cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar among many others took to social media on Friday and expressed grief on the passing away of renowned poet, Amjad Islam Amjad. 

The literary icon breathed his last in Lahore after suffering a heart attack. He was 78. Amjad received ample recognition for his contributions to Urdu literature. He wrote several books. Amjad Islam Amjad also received several awards including the Pride of Performance and Sitara e Imtiaz for his literary work.

Prime Minister and the President expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the literary icon. In their separate condolence messages, the Prime Minister and President said Pakistan has lost a great poet and writer whose valuable services in the field of art and literature will always be remembered.   

Paying rich tribute to the late writer, they said Amjad left a huge void in Urdu literature that cannot be filled. They prayed for high ranks of the departed soul in the hereafter and patience for his bereaved family. The premier and president also expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

Many took to Twitter to offer condolences. Akhtar shared, "Urdu poetry and Pakistan have suffered a huge loss today."

Legendary cricketer Javed Miandad commented, "The passing of Amjad Islam Amjad has deeply saddened me. I extend my heartfelt condolences and offer my sincerest prayers to his loved ones during this difficult time."

A user commented, "Deeply sad at passing away of great poet, writer, thinker of our times Amjad Islamabad Amjad. I feel privileged to have had personal interaction with him in past years and he always was kind to grace various occasions with us with his scholarly talks, and poetry. RIP Amjad Islam Amjad."

Another added, "Life is unpredictable. Amjad Islam Amjad had to come to Multan's Faiz Mela where he had to commemorate Faiz and where life has taken him away. May he rest in peace. The poet."

One user penned, "I wish Waris is retelecasted so younger generations have an opportunity to watch what a writing talent he was. A tale of tradition, social change and regressive quixotic ideals - watch it today and it still has relevance."

Another shared, "Today, the nation mourns the passing of the icon of Pakistan Amjad Islam Amjad, a master of words and a true inspiration. His writings will continue to touch hearts and his legacy will be forever remembered. Rest in Peace Amjad Sahib, you will be missed."

One more commented, "Sad to hear the news of the demise of renowned dramatist and poet Amjad Islam Amjad. His work will always be a testament to his talent and will be remembered for generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Another tweep shared, "Literary icon, Amjad Islam Amjad, passed away in Lahore. He was 78. The renowned poet died after suffering a heart attack. Poet, playwright, educationist, columnist and literary critic par excellence, Amjad has given Pakistan some of its most seminal cultural works."

One user commented, "RIP Amjad Islam Amjad. The brain behind arguably the greatest TV drama masterpiece in Pakistan's history," while another shared, "

About Amjad Islam Amjad

Poet, playwright, educationist, columnist and literary critic par excellence, Amjad has given Pakistan some of its most seminal cultural works. Renowned and perpetually adored plays like Waris, Samandur, Dehleez, Din, Raat, Waqt, Fishaar and Inkaar are just a few of the most vibrantly twinkling stars in the galaxy that is his prolific catalogue. 

The incessant voyage of his impressive, soul-elevating and award-winning compositions has covered diverse milestones like Shifting Sands, Ham Us Kay Hain, Sahilon Ki Hawa, Phir Yun Huwa, Zara Phir Se Kehna and Itne Khawb Kahan Rakhun Ga and many others.

Apart from being the author of more than seventy books, he is the subject of more than ten more, each written by authors and critics globally-renowned in their own right. The Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz are a few glittering pearls out of the deep sea of his accolades and accomplishments. 

Outside Pakistan, he has been honoured by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the Necip Fazil International Culture and Art Award. Addressing the ceremony, the Turkish leader is noted to have said: “Amjad Islam Amjad is one of the most important poets in modern Urdu literature.”

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