JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 17, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Condolences poured in as the death of Dawn columnist Irfan Hussain was announced by his son on Twitter on Wednesday.
Shakir Hussain in his tweet announced: “My father and dear friend, Irfan Husain, passed away in Dorset, England. I am grateful that he slipped away gently and that I was able to be with him. See you on the other side, Abba.”
Nadeem Farooq Paracha said he has been reading Irfan’s columns in Dawn over the last three decades. “So sorry Shakir. A great loss. Such a fine man. I had been a fan of his columns for over thirty years. And he was always humble and cheerful whenever I got the chance to meet him. May his soul rest in peace.”
Dawn said the columnist died in Dorset, England. According to the newspaper, Hussain in a column in August year said that he had been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer nearly three years ago.
Born in Amritsar, India in 1944, Irfan’s family migrated to Pakistan in 1947. He was educated in Karachi, Paris and Ankara, and joined the civil service in 1967 after obtaining a master’s degree in economics. He authored a book "Fatal Faultlines: Pakistan, Islam and the West" in 2012.
Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood expressed his condolences. “Deeply grieved to learn of Irfan Hussain’s sad passing away. Knew him since college days in Lahore. Widely read columnist of Dawn and a gentleman of high integrity. Always enjoyed his company and writings. May his soul RIP. @irfan_husain”
Journalist Khurrum Hussain also pointed out he grew up reading Irfan’s columns. “So many of us grew up reading Irfan saab's columns that his loss hits very close to the heart. Strength and prayers for you.”
Television presenter Amber Rahim Shamsi termed it a loss for journalism. “Been reading Irfan sb’s columns for years so it almost felt like I knew him. May you all find peace and the space to grieve.”
Talat Aslam of The News remembered his days spent with Irfan Hussain. “Oh that’s terrible news. So sorry to hear that Shakir. Have fond memories of the time spent with him. My heartfelt condolences. May he rest in peace.”
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.