Transitions: MA Majid passes away

The former op-ed editor of Daily Dawn was 79.

KARACHI:

One of Pakistani journalism’s unsung heroes, former op-ed editor of Daily Dawn, MA Majid (pronounced Majeed) passed away on Thursday.

He was 79. Majid sahib, as he was popularly known, oversaw the opinion pages of the paper. In his time, the paper was known for its forceful editorials and thought provoking opinion pieces.

Many of the columnists of the paper, including such giants as Ardeshir Cowasjee, would sometimes protest at the manner Majid sahib would edit their articles but in the end would give in to his better judgment. In his work, Majid sahib was a perfectionist, poring over words for hours to come up with the right meaning or context.

His office in Haroon House was a place for many to gather. From fellow writers and journalists to friends and admirers, all were welcomed and served unlimited cups of tea as Majid sahib would exchange ideas and encourage discussion. Despite this welcoming nature and a love to debate, at the end of the day Majid sahib would only let his conscience decide what would go in the paper and what would be left out. In that sense, he was a thorough professional and, in the words of one friend, an editor of editors.

Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, on July 3, 1934 Majid started his journalistic career from Dawn group of newspapers and served it for 53 years till his retirement in 2008. He was forced to retire because of his failing eyesight. Despite this, his mind remained alert till the very end.

According to his son, Shahzad Majid, his father was taken to hospital on December 3, where he was diagnosed with cardiac arrest and then his kidneys stopped working.  He is survived by a wife, two sons and a daughter. His funeral prayers will be held at Sultan Masjid on Friday (today) after Juma prayers and will be laid to rest at the Gizri graveyard, Phase IV, DHA.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2012.