Veteran journalist Javed Iqbal Jaidi bids farewell after long health battle

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  JP Staff Report

Veteran journalist Javed Iqbal Jaidi passed away in Shorkot after a long illness. Friends and colleagues remember his humor, resilience, and lifelong commitment to journalism.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The journalist fraternity is mourning the loss of senior journalist Javed Iqbal, affectionately known as Javed Jaidi, who passed away in his hometown, Shorkot, after a prolonged illness. He was remembered by colleagues as a man of humility, humor, and resilience, a journalist who, despite the hardships of life, never lost his smile or spirit.

From Shorkot to Islamabad

Born and raised in Shorkot, Jaidi’s journey to journalism began with dreams far bigger than his small-town roots. After completing his studies in journalism at the University of the Punjab, he moved to Islamabad, where he spent most of his professional life working in print and broadcast media. Over the years, he contributed to several major news outlets, including The News, NewsOne TV, and other newspapers, earning the respect and affection of peers across newsrooms.

Years Abroad in the US and Canada

At one point in his career, Jaidi ventured to the United States and Canada in search of a livelihood and greener pastures. But as luck would have it, he could not settle there and returned home a few years later, once again drawn to the familiar hum of the newsroom and the camaraderie of colleagues.

Humor, Friendship, and Daily Struggles

His career, though modest in material rewards, was rich in friendships and experiences. A chain-smoker and a man of simple pleasures, Jaidi’s happiness often revolved around small joys — a good story, a strong cup of tea, or a few cigarettes shared with friends after a long day’s work. Despite financial struggles, he was renowned for his generosity, humor, and ability to find humor in even the toughest situations. Friends often recalled how he would cheerfully ask them for a few rupees when he was short on cash, only to treat them later when times improved.

The Stroke That Changed His Life

A few years ago, while working at the University of Sargodha, Jaidi suffered a severe stroke that marked the beginning of a long, painful struggle for recovery. Though he regained partial health and continued to stay optimistic, the illness left lasting effects. Even so, he remained intellectually sharp, socially engaged, and deeply connected with his circle of friends and colleagues until his final days.

In Rawalpindi, Jaidi lived for many years in a modest hostel room in the Commercial Center Market area of Satellite Town. He shared that space, and countless memories, with his younger brother Tariq Hassan, lovingly known as Tari, also a journalist. Their companionship was legendary among friends; the two were inseparable in life and now, tragically, in memory. Tariq passed away in August last year after a brave battle with lung cancer, leaving Jaidi heartbroken but resolute.

A passionate unionist, Jaidi was a familiar face at the local Press Club and participated actively in journalist union activities, always standing up for the rights of his peers. Those who knew him describe him as a man who lived with honesty, loyalty, and an unshakable sense of camaraderie, qualities that endeared him to all who crossed his path.

His passing has left a deep void among friends and colleagues, many of whom took to social media to express their grief and share memories of his humor, warmth, and indomitable spirit. “He lived life on his own terms,” one friend wrote, “and taught us that even in hardship, joy can be found in the simplest of things.”

Javed Iqbal Jaidi’s story is a poignant reminder of the many unsung heroes of journalism — those who labor quietly behind the headlines, driven not by fame or fortune, but by the sheer love of the craft.

May his soul rest in peace.

KEY POINTS:

• Senior journalist Javed Iqbal, known as Javed Jaidi, has passed away in Shorkot after a prolonged illness.
• He built a career in print and broadcast media after studying journalism at the University of the Punjab.
• His time abroad in the United States and Canada ended with a return to Pakistan, where he resumed newsroom work.
• Colleagues remember him for his humor, generosity, and resilience despite financial and personal struggles.
• A severe stroke suffered while working at the University of Sargodha marked the beginning of years of declining health.
• His death follows the loss of his brother Tariq Hassan last year, leaving a deep void among friends, colleagues, and the journalist community.