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ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP):Federal ministers, senior parliamentarians, business leaders, literary figures and a large number of admirers gathered at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Thursday for a condolence reference in memory of renowned columnist, intellectual, writer, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui (late).
The event was organized jointly by the Pakistan Cultural Forum, CDA Labour Union and PNCA.
Speakers paid rich tribute to the late Irfan Siddiqui, recalling his unmatched contributions to journalism, politics, literature, and national discourse.
They said he championed a culture of tolerance, upheld reasoned debate, and always listened patiently to opposing viewpoints—values they stressed were urgently needed in today’s polarized environment.
At the ceremony, Zafar Bakhtawari presented a resolution proposing that a road in Islamabad be named after Irfan Siddiqui, which was unanimously approved by the participants.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said Senator Irfan Siddiqui was a shining symbol of Pakistan’s intellectual tradition who had the rare ability to take the opposition along in politics. “Political moderation takes nations forward,” he said. “If we fail to learn this lesson, we will continue repeating past mistakes.”
He emphasized that Irfan Siddiqui always used reasoning instead of stubbornness and reminded that Parliament is supreme and solely empowered to amend the Constitution.
Referring to the recently established Constitutional Court, he said the idea was rooted in the Charter of Democracy signed by Nawaz Sharif and the late Benazir Bhutto, and later endorsed by Imran Khan.
He urged that the Court be allowed to function so the country can progress. He also thanked Zafar Bakhtawari for organizing a memorable event in Siddiqui’s honour.
Former Senator Pervaiz Rashid praised Irfan Siddiqui’s eloquence, literary brilliance, and intellectual depth, calling him an outstanding columnist, teacher, and political figure. He said Siddiqui’s poetic temperament and refined taste placed him among the greats, adding that even the letters he wrote were comparable to those of Ghalib.
“He is only out of sight, not gone from our hearts,” he said, before reciting a verse in Siddiqui’s remembrance.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry recalled Irfan Siddiqui as a multifaceted personality and his own teacher.
He said he learned the intricacies of politics from Siddiqui, whose politics embodied love, respect, and patience. “He never abandoned patience for even a moment,” he added.
Zafar Bakhtawari said that society needs “many Irfan Siddiquis” to lower tensions and revive intellectual moderation.
He described Siddiqui as a dear friend, refined writer, poet, columnist, and balanced political figure whose writings are a treasure for future generations. “Anyone who wants to appreciate good Urdu should read Irfan Siddiqui,” he said.
Senator (R) General Abdul Qayyum said that Irfan Siddiqui had trained the nation for half a century through his pen. “Every column imparted knowledge, culture, and high moral values. His passing marks the end of an era,” he said.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said Siddiqui was a teacher, researcher, and intellectual who always upheld moral steadfastness. His writings, he said, reflected decency, refinement, and intellectual clarity.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Siddiqui’s writings were a means of moral reform and guidance for the youth, declaring that the nation salutes his scholarly legacy.
Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen said Siddiqui placed justice and integrity at the core of his life’s work, and his character remains exemplary for all.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Nauman Siddiqui said his father rose from a junior teacher to a professor and later served as Press Secretary to the President.
At home, he said, Siddiqui never lost patience, even while writing amid household noise. “He taught us that hard work, honesty, and sincerity are the greatest legacy,” he said, adding that the family is proud to be the children of a man who lived by principles and served society selflessly.
The condolence reference concluded with renewed resolve from the participants to carry forward Irfan Siddiqui’s legacy of wisdom, moderation, and intellectual integrity.