A dignified condolence reference to honour the life, services and literary legacy of Late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui was held at Nazria-i-Pakistan Trust under the auspices of Press Information Department (PID) Lahore, here on Monday.
Senior journalists including Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Salman Ghani, Noor Ullah, Talib Hussain, Mohsin Mumtaz, PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas, Station Director Radio Pakistan Lahore Dr. Ahmar Sohail Basra, intellectuals, public figures and academicians attented and paid glowing tributes to the late senator.
Addressing the gathering, PID Director General Shafqat Abbas said that Pakistan today needs responsible and principled journalism more than ever, stressing that every individual must play their role in strengthening and uplifting the country. He added that the present journalistic community has much to learn from the professional legacy and exemplary life of late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, whose commitment to integrity continues to serve as a guiding standard for the media.
The DG said that Senator Irfan Siddiqui was a man of exceptional character and integrity, embodying scholarship, humility, and statesmanship in equal measure. He noted that the senator’s long-standing association with journalism, education, literature, and national politics had left a profound imprint on Pakistan’s intellectual and democratic landscape. The late senator, he added, was one of those rare individuals whose personality genuinely reflected that of an exemplary teacher. He inspired others through his knowledge, character, and compassion.
Daily Pakistan Chief Editor Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami recalled meeting Senator Siddiqui during a journey and being struck by his quiet dignity and intellectual presence. “His personality radiated seriousness, knowledge, and refinement. Teaching remained the defining thread of his life,” he said and noted that despite the unfair treatment and political victimisation he faced, including his 2019 arrest in a frivolous and later discredited case, Senator Siddiqui never succumbed to bitterness. “His grace and restraint, even in the face of injustice, were exemplary,” he added.
Shami further said that Senator Siddiqui enjoyed the full confidence of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and played an important advisory role in policy matters and political communication.
Senior journalist Salman Ghani said Senator Siddiqui symbolised principled journalism in Pakistan and consistently advocated democracy, constitutional continuity and the rights of the oppressed. He noted that the senator came from a family with deep ideological and intellectual roots. “He never indulged in personal attacks and always upheld decency in public discourse,” he added.
Senior journalist Noor Ullah of Daily Jang said Senator Siddiqui was a towering intellectual whose patriotism, love for the written word and commitment to Pakistan’s ideological foundations were central to his life. He recalled the senator’s close association with former President and Chairman Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust, Rafiq Tarar, noting that he frequently visited the institution and contributed to national intellectual dialogue.
Journalist Mohsin Mumtaz of Roznama Aftab said Senator Siddiqui lived a life marked by dignity, patience and steadfastness. He was a teacher, columnist, writer and reformer who preferred meaningful action over rhetoric. His humility and composure, even during personal trials, were highlighted as defining traits.
Radio Pakistan Lahore Station Director Dr Ahmar Sohail Basra said Senator Siddiqui belonged to a generation of writers who upheld the sanctity of words and never compromised on ethical principles. His writings for Radio Pakistan, including features and dramatic scripts, were remembered for their elegance, clarity and deep-rooted patriotism.
Other speakers agreed that the late senator’s political, journalistic and literary contributions form a rich legacy that must be preserved and carried forward. They prayed for the elevation of his ranks in the hereafter and patience for the bereaved family.
The condolence reference concluded with special prayers for Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui and a reaffirmation to uphold the values he championed, education, ethical journalism, democratic continuity and service to Pakistan.