Born as Akhtar Ali in 1924 in Ludhiana, India, he changed his name to Hameed Akhtar in high school. Akhtar joined the Taraqi Pasand Tehreek – a socialist movement – in 1935 in what would be the beginning of a lifelong commitment to left-wing thought. He was a columnist for several prominent Pakistani newspapers, including the Daily Express.
A childhood friend of poets Sahir Ludhianvi and Ibne Insha, Akhtar wrote several books himself, namely Kaal Kothri, Ashnayan Kia Kia, Royedad-e-Anjaman. He also wrote films such as Sookh ka Sapna in 1962 and Praaye Aag in 1971. Akhtar is survived by three daughters, including actress Saba Pervez, and a son.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2011.
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He was a great man who remained loyal and active for the cause of the liberation of mankind till his last breadth. I met him, two months back, at his place in Lahore. I was truly amazed to see his optimism and ideological commitment while he was fighting with death. You should definitely have mentioned him as the Marxist activist which he actually was, as a writer, columnist, journalist and media person. Red Salute to comrade Hameed Akhar...