Lahore: Veteran Pakistani journalist, intellectual, and writer Altaf Hassan Qureshi passed away in Lahore on Saturday after a prolonged illness, family sources confirmed. He was 96.
Qureshi was regarded as one of Pakistan’s most influential journalists and literary figures, known for his decades-long contribution to journalism, political commentary, and intellectual discourse in the country.
According to family members, funeral prayers for the senior journalist will be offered in Lahore, while relatives, colleagues, political leaders, journalists, and academics continued to express grief over his death.
Born before the creation of Pakistan, Altaf Hassan Qureshi played a major role in shaping Urdu journalism and remained associated with several leading publications throughout his career.
He was widely recognised for founding and editing the influential Urdu monthly magazine Urdu Digest, which became one of the country’s most prominent intellectual and literary publications.
Over the years, Qureshi wrote extensively on politics, religion, national identity, international affairs, and ideological debates, earning respect across journalistic and academic circles.
He was also known for conducting detailed interviews with major political, religious, and military personalities in Pakistan and abroad, many of which became important historical references in Pakistani journalism.
Qureshi authored numerous books focusing on political thought, Islamic ideology, Pakistan’s national direction, and contemporary global issues.
His writings were particularly influential among Urdu readers interested in political analysis and ideological discussions.
Following news of his death, leaders from different political and media circles paid tribute to his contributions to Pakistani journalism and intellectual thought.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the veteran journalist’s passing and praised his lifelong services to journalism and literature.
In a statement, the prime minister described Altaf Hassan Qureshi as a distinguished intellectual whose work left a lasting impact on Pakistan’s media landscape.
Journalist organisations and media bodies across Pakistan also expressed condolences, calling his death a major loss for Urdu journalism and intellectual scholarship.
Several senior journalists highlighted his role in mentoring younger writers and promoting thoughtful political debate through his publications and writings.
Qureshi remained active in intellectual and literary discussions for decades and was considered among the pioneering figures of Pakistan’s ideological journalism tradition.
His death marks the end of an era in Pakistani print journalism, particularly in the field of Urdu-language political and intellectual commentary.