Altaf Hassan Qureshi, a distinguished journalist, writer, columnist, and intellectual, passed away in Lahore on Saturday at the age of 94, his son Kamran Altaf confirmed. The funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday after Zuhr at Jamia Ashrafia in Lahore, as announced by his family.
Qureshi was among Pakistan’s most senior editors and political analysts, having authored numerous books throughout his extensive journalism career that spanned several decades. Born on March 3, 1932, in Hisar, India, he witnessed and reported on many pivotal events in the region’s history, including periods of military rule, political turmoil, the fall of Dhaka, and the Afghan war.
In a significant development, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal expressed profound grief over Qureshi’s passing and paid homage to his invaluable contributions to national journalism and intellectual discourse. The minister highlighted Qureshi’s principled approach to journalism, his wisdom, and his lifelong dedication to Pakistan’s ideological and intellectual landscape.
Notably, Ahsan Iqbal shared on Instagram that the loss of Altaf Hassan Qureshi represents the departure of a towering figure in journalism and intellectual thought. He prayed for the departed soul’s elevation to the highest ranks in Jannah and extended condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them patience and strength during this difficult time.
