Renowned novelist Abdullah Hussain passes away

Hussain, 84, had been suffering from blood cancer

Renowned Urdu novelist and the genius behind the very famous 'Udas Naslain', Abdullah Hussain passed away in Lahore on Saturday, Radio Pakistan reported. 

The 84-year-old had been suffering from blood cancer.

Hussain was cosidered to be one of the greatest writers in Pakistan and was also nominated for “Kamal-e-Fun” award for 2012, the highest literary award of Pakistan given for lifetime achievement in creative and research work that carries cash prize of Rs500,000.

Read: Awarding literati: Abdullah Hussain, Afzal Randhawa nominated

During an address at Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in 2013, Abdullah Hussain had said “Writing a novel is no easy feat, rather it is architecture. One lays brick upon brick to construct walls, support a roof and makes room for doors and windows. People can’t write novels these days because they lack the perseverance to do so.”

Some of his most famous novels included Nadaar Log and Azaad Log with Udas Naslain breaking all records was considered one of the greatest novels in Urdu literature. The great novelist always spent about four to five years on average to write one novel.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expresses grief

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the death of Urdu writer and novelist Abdullah Hussain.

Read: Literary discourse: Rendezvous with Abdullah Hussain

Further lauding the services rendered by the great novelist for the promotion of national language and towards enrichment of Urdu literature. He regarded Abdullah Hussain's death as a loss to the nation especially the literary circles.