KARACHI - Prominent poet, writer and researcher Prof Afaq Siddiqui died here on Sunday after protracted illness. He was 86.
The deceased will be laid to rest at Sakhi Hassan graveyard. The famous literary work by Siddiqui is the translation of “Shah Jo Rasalao” intoUrdu. He wrote more than 40 books, out of them 18 are in Sindhi.
Prof Siddiqui was born in 1928 in India, from where he migrated to Pakistan after the partition. His literary work was highly appreciated in the country.
In recognition of his literary works, he received various national and international awards, including Pride of Performance and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Excellence Award.
Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain expressed his profound grief and sorrow on his death. He offered condolences to the bereaved family. He asked them to bear the irreparable loss with patience and fortitude. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah sent condolence message on the sad demise of renowned educationist, poet and writer Professor Afaq Siddiqui while expressing his profound grief.
The CM Sindh lauded his services in the field of literature and poetry. He further said that by translating “ Shah Jo Risalo” in Urdu Late Afaq Sidddiqui not only introduced the philosophy and message of the great Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to the Urdu speaking community.
“Professor Afaq Siddiqui did authentic research work on Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and translated his peace loving message in Urdu Language. Through his literary contributions professor Afaq played the role of a bridge between Urdu and Sindhi speaking people and his research work on Shah Bhittai (R.A) will be remembered for long time,” he said.