Veteran Writers and Journalists of Pakistan, Who Passed Away in 2018

Many famous personalities of the country passed away during 2018, they were actors, writers, journalists and social activists, here are few famous writers and journalists of Pakistan who passed away during 2018:

Asma Jahangir: Known for her outspoken nature and unrelenting pursuit for human rights  as well as for remaining undaunted in the face of extreme pressure and opposition, Asma  Jahangir would be remembered as a champion of the disenfranchised and for her services towards building a democratic and more inclusive Pakistan. Jahangir was born in Lahore in January 1952. She received a bachelor's degree from Kinnaird College and an LLB from Punjab University. She was called to the Lahore High Court in 1980 and to the Supreme Court in 1982. She later went on to become the first woman to serve as president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. She became a pro-democracy activist and was jailed in 1983 for participating in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy, which agitated against military dictator Ziaul Haq's regime. She was also active in the 2007 Lawyers' Movement, for which she was put under house arrest. She co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and the Women's Action Forum. She died on 11 February 2018.

Fahmida Riaz: Renowned poetess and activist Fahmida Riaz passed away in Lahore on 23 November, 2018. She was 73. Riaz always raised her voice for women rights and democracy. She also headed the National Book Foundation. Fahmida Riaz remained an activist in her academic life. She spoke and wrote against the ban on student politics during General Ayub’s regime. In the 1980s she and her husband lived in exile in India after both of them were jailed by the dictator for their liberal and politically charged views.

Shaikh Aziz: Shaikh Aziz, a veteran journalist, author and scholar, who had died  on 7 October 2018, His funeral prayers were held at a mosque in KDA Overseas Bungalows, Block 17, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, near his residence and later he was buried in Pehalwan Goth graveyard. Born in Hyderabad on Dec 9, 1938, Aziz received his early education in the city and went on to acquire a diploma in jouralism from the Thomson College of Journalism in London in 1968. Shaikh Aziz worked at the daily Dawn from 1989 to 2008 and continued to write up until this year. Prior to this, he worked at the Daily Hurriyat, Jang, Daily Sindh News, Weekly Sindh Observer, the Daily Ibrat, and the Daily Karwan. He received the Taraqi Pasand Literary Award in 2001, and the Diplace Excellence Award of Journalism in 2000. He also served as president of the Hyderabad Press Club in 1963 and 1966, the president of the Hyderabad Union of Journalists in 1974 and a judge at the All Pakistan Newspaper Society from 1998-2004. He published a number of research papers and books, including Political History of Pakistan (Post-Independence Era), An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Soomra Kingdom of Sindh, Bhutto ─ Memoirs and Remembrances, A History of Sindhi Literature, and The Origin and Evolution of Sindhi Music. His last professional appointment was as vice-chairman of the Sindh Adabi Board.

Madeeha Gauhar: Popular theatre personality and founder of Ajoka Theatre Madeeha Gauhar passed away on 25 April, 2018. She was 61. She is survived by her daughter Sawaira Nadeem, two sons, Nirvaan and Sarang and her husband playwright Shahid Nadeem. Madeeha was suffering from cancer for the last three years. Born in Karachi in 1965, Madeeha obtained a Master degree in English Literature. Later, she moved to England and got a degree in theater sciences from the University of London. In 1983, Madeeha and her husband Shahid Nadeem moved to Lahore where they laid the foundation of Ajoka Theatre. She has the credit of directing over three dozen plays performed nationally and internationally in countries like India, Bangladesh, UK, USA, Egypt and Iran. Madeeha was a tireless activist whose talent and energies were always committed to speaking on behalf of the downtrodden, specifically women and the minorities. Madeeha was awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by Pakistan Government in recognition of her services and contribution in the field of culture and performing arts. In 2003, she was awarded Fatima Jinnah Award by the Government. She was also a fervent supporter of peace between India and Pakistan. In 2006, Madeeha became the first Pakistani to be honoured with the prestigious Prince Claus Award for her leadership of Ajoka. The award was given to her by Ambassador of Netherlands Willem Andreae.

Yousuf Nagori: Dawn’s Hyderabad-based photo-journalist Yousuf Nagori passed away here in the early hours of 01 October, 2018. He was 62. He had been suffering from a chronic liver problem for a long time and was under treatment of a gastroenterologist. He was a diabetic and was recently admitted to the Liaquat University Hospital’s city branch and later shifted to a private hospital, where he remained under treatment for a fortnight. His consultant, Dr Sadiq Memon, discharged him and he was shifted to his home. Nagori was unmarried. He lived with his nephew Tahseen Nagori in Unit 9, Latifabad.