Pakistan’s renowned journalist and intellectual, Altaf Hasan Qureshi, has also passed away. With his demise, a luminous era of Pakistani journalism has come to an end. Altaf Hasan Qureshi was not merely a journalist; he was a distinguished literary and scholarly figure. He remained a steadfast advocate of the Ideology of Pakistan and the Constitution of Pakistan, serving as a guardian of the country’s intellectual and ideological frontiers.
Whether under democratic governments or military regimes, he practiced journalism with courage and conviction. He endured imprisonment and hardship for speaking the truth. Any account of Pakistan’s journalistic history would remain incomplete without acknowledging Altaf Qureshi’s immense contribution and professional legacy.
He earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from University of the Punjab before stepping into the field of journalism. Through sheer dedication and hard work, he rose to become one of Pakistan’s leading journalists. While some may differ with his journalistic viewpoints, no one can deny the relentless effort and perseverance with which he built his reputation. His political insight and deep attachment to Islam were equally undeniable.
While some may differ with his journalistic viewpoints, no one can deny the relentless effort and perseverance with which he built his reputation.
He was around ninety-five years old and had been critically ill for the past several months. Yet, except for those final months, he remained intellectually active despite his advanced age, continuing to handle his research, writing, and journalistic work while seated on his bed. Until recently, his columns continued to appear in newspapers. His memory remained remarkably sharp; even in old age, he possessed an extraordinary command over Pakistan’s history and constitutional development.
During the final years of his life, he authored several books with the assistance of his grandson. Allama Abdul Sattar Asim, chief executive of Qalam Foundation, also remained constantly available to support him and helped publish a series of Altaf Sahib’s notable works. Despite this assistance, he personally reviewed every manuscript with meticulous attention to detail.
Over the last one and a half to two years, Altaf Qureshi published several books, including Jang-e-September ki yaadain (Memories of the September War), Mashriqi Pakistan (East Pakistan), Toota Hua Tara (The Fallen Star), Main Ne Aain Bante Dekha Hai (I Witnessed the Making of the Constitution), Danish-e-Guftagu, Pyare Maulana, Qaflay Dil Ke Chalay, and Mulaqatein.
Throughout his journalistic career, he wrote hundreds, indeed thousands, of analytical articles, columns, research papers, and interviews. His interviews with prominent personalities hold immense historical significance, revealing many important facts of history. Most of these interviews now stand as valuable historical references in their own right.
Another major legacy associated with Altaf Sahib is Urdu Digest. He was counted among its founders. Together with his elder brother, the late Ijaz Hasan Qureshi, he launched Urdu Digest in Pakistan on the model of Reader’s Digest. The publication achieved record popularity and introduced a distinctive style and standard of journalism that continues to endure even today. The mission initiated by these two remarkable personalities is now being carried forward admirably by Tayyab Ijaz Qureshi, son of Ijaz Hasan Qureshi and nephew of Altaf Hasan Qureshi.
Despite being such a towering name in journalism, Altaf Sahib was deeply humble and gracious. I had only a few personal meetings with him, though we remained in touch over the telephone. In various gatherings, I always observed him treating others with great respect. He encouraged even the most junior writers with warmth and sincerity.
During the days when I used to write columns for Daily Jang, Altaf Qureshi Sahib would regularly call after reading my columns and offer words of encouragement. Even after I began writing for Daily Nai Baat, his routine remained unchanged. On a few occasions, he corrected certain historical details mentioned in my columns. It was then that I realized he read even the writings of an ordinary columnist like myself with exceptional attentiveness.
For several months, Altaf Sahib had been seriously ill. A few times, I was able to communicate with him through Allama Asim Sahib. A few months ago, when I visited his home to inquire about his health, I found him reading newspapers on his iPad. He remarked that instead of reading newspapers himself, he now listened to them with the help of his grandson, Iqan. Sometime earlier, I had written a column on his book Main Ne Aain Bante Dekha Hai. I could not help but admire the sharpness of his memory when he discussed my article in detail, clarifying several points and remarking that certain things should have been written differently. That day, we decided that once he recovered, we would organize an event at the Film Department of the University of the Punjab in connection with his book. But that gathering was not destined to take place.
Only a few days ago, Altaf Sahib’s nephew, Zaki Ijaz, had called to congratulate me on receiving an award. Zaki Sahib, who serves as Regional Chairman and Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is himself a dynamic personality like his father and uncle. During our conversation, I inquired about Altaf Qureshi Sahib’s health and mentioned that I had not received his call for quite some time, while his phone also remained switched off. Zaki Sahib informed me that he was critically ill and requested prayers for him. Just two days later came the news that this radiant sun of Pakistani journalism had set forever.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
One cannot help but wonder where we will find journalists as refined, insightful, and visionary as Altaf Hasan Qureshi again. May Allah elevate his ranks, grant patience to his family, and give his loved ones the strength to carry forward his mission. Ameen.
The writer is a Professor of Media and Communication Studies and a broadcast media expert. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at Punjab University.