Transitions: Veteran leftist Jamil Umer passes away

LAHORE: Left-leaning activist Jamil Umer passed away on Monday following prolonged heart trouble. He was 61.

Awami Worker Party general secretary Farooq Tariq, a long time colleague, said Umer had taught at Quad-i-Azam University in the 1970s.

Tariq said he was arrested during Zia days for writing several pamphlets against the military regime.

The AWP general secretary added that Umer was detained at Lahore Fort before being transferred to several other prisons. He was held in detention for eight years.

After his release, Umer became a part of the Professor Group, an alliance of left-leaning academics.

Umer also served as the Punjab general secretary of the Awami National Party.

He edited the Awami Jamhoori Forum magazine till his death.

“When the mainstream media were gagged under the Zia regime, Umer worked tirelessly against the oppression,” said Professor Azizudin Ahmed, a colleague and a friend.

“When he was diagnosed with heart problems, many people warned him to slow down but he wouldn’t listen. His energy was amazing.” he said.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday at Daru Salam Colony, 5 Osman Block at Zohr.