Remembering legendary journalist Abdul Karim Abid

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 May 2021

Abdul Karim Abid, a prominent figure in Pakistani journalism, is remembered for his impactful career on the 16th anniversary of his passing. His dedication to integrity and pioneering work has inspired many within the media industry.

Summary

ISLAMABAD–Today (May 23) is the 16th death anniversary of veteran Pakistani journalist Abdul Karim Abid being marked to acknowledge his significant contributions to journalism.

An outstanding journalist, intellectual, and editor of many national newspapers, including the Weekly Friday Special, Abid significantly impacted the Pakistani news arena. His writings are a source of inspiration to the new generation.

He was the founding editor of renowned weekly Akhbar-e-Jahan and served as editor of many Urdu dailies, including Jasaarat and Mashriq. He was part of the senior editorial team at Daily Nawa-e-Waqt, Hurriyet, Insaf, and several other newspapers and authored over four dozen books.

Abid was known as one of the pioneers of modern journalism. He was a self-made journalist known for upholding journalistic integrity, transparency, and honesty, for which he was always willing to sacrifice.

Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1974, he decided to dedicate his remaining life to journalism. His hard work and determination kept him alive as he battled the disease for the next 31 years bravely.

Even in the last week of his life, he sent all the articles to his newspaper as usual and submitted weekly editorials. On the day of his death, he wrote something in his room.

According to his son, Salman Abid, the family rushed him to the hospital where he took his last breath on May 23, 2005. Thus, the last writing of his life remained incomplete.

Salman Abid has compiled a comprehensive book titled ‘Abdul Karim Abid: Aik Shaks Aik Ehad’, comprising 60 articles by various renowned journalists and intellectuals to pay tribute to his legendary father’s over 60 years in journalism. Special articles by Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Syed Munawar Hassan, Safdar Meer, Hussain Naqi, Abdul Qadir Hassan, Ata ur Rehaman, Anwar Qudwai, Altaf Hussain Qureshi, Syed Qasim Mahmood, Dr. Anwar Saeed, Saleem Mansoor Khalid, Mirza Adeeb, and Dr. Muskeen Hijazi are also part of the book, published by the Jumhoori Publications.

Photo: Twitter (@Salmanabidpk)