Veteran journalist Altaf Hassan Qureshi passes away at 94

Veteran Pakistani journalist, intellectual, and chief editor of Urdu Digest, Altaf Hassan Qureshi, has passed away at the age of 94, leaving the country’s journalistic and literary circles in mourning.

Family sources said the funeral prayer for the late journalist will be offered on Sunday, May 17, after Zuhr prayers at Jamia Ashrafia, Lahore.

According to family members, Qureshi passed away at his residence in Johar Town, Lahore.

He was regarded as one of Pakistan’s most senior editors, columnists, and political analysts, and authored several books during a journalism career spanning decades.

He gained nationwide recognition through his widely read column “Hum Kahan Khary Hain” (Where We Stand), which focused on political, ideological, and national affairs.

Born on March 3, 1932, in Hisar, India, Altaf Hassan Qureshi witnessed and documented several defining moments in Pakistan’s history, including military rule, political crises, the fall of Dhaka, the Afghan war, ideological conflicts, and democratic transitions.

His writings are still considered an important reference for understanding Pakistan’s political and intellectual history.

Qureshi’s elder brother, Dr. Ejaz Hassan Qureshi, who founded Urdu Digest, passed away in 2020.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the death of the veteran journalist.

In a statement, the interior minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family.

“Altaf Hassan Qureshi’s death marks the end of a golden chapter in journalism,” Naqvi said, adding that the late journalist’s contributions to Pakistani journalism would always be remembered.

He prayed for the departed soul and asked Allah to grant patience and strength to the family members during their time of grief.

Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed deep sorrow over Qureshi’s death and described him as a pioneer of ideological journalism.

“Altaf Hassan Qureshi’s contributions to journalism, literature, and intellectual awareness will always be remembered,” Memon said in a statement.

He termed the veteran journalist’s death an irreparable loss for Pakistan’s journalistic and intellectual circles and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
 
 The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) expressed deep grief over his death and paid tribute to his services in journalism and intellectual discourse.

APNS President Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Qazi described Altaf Hassan Qureshi as one of the most respected and influential figures in Urdu journalism.

They said his lifelong contributions to journalism, national thought, and literary development would remain unforgettable in Pakistan’s media history.

The APNS noted that through Urdu Digest, Qureshi played a historic role in promoting serious journalism, intellectual debate, and literary values across the country.

The organization praised his editorial vision, integrity, and commitment to responsible journalism, saying these qualities earned him widespread respect among both journalists and readers.

Calling his death an irreparable loss to Pakistan’s journalistic and literary community, APNS leaders extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.