Altaf Hassan Qureshi: Urdu Journalism Pioneer passes away in Lahore

LAHORE – Veteran journalist, intellectual, and Chief Editor of Urdu Digest, Altaf Hassan Qureshi, has passed away, prompting widespread grief across Pakistan’s media and literary communities. His death is being described by colleagues and writers as the end of a significant era in Urdu journalism. Qureshi’s funeral prayer will be offered on Sunday, May 17, after Zuhr prayer at Jamia Ashrafia, Lahore, where a large number of journalists, writers, and admirers are expected to attend. All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) expressed deep sorrow over his passing. APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Qazi paid tribute, calling him one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s media history and acknowledging his lasting intellectual and journalistic contributions. Altaf Hassan Qureshi Born before partition, Qureshi migrated to Pakistan in 1947 and later settled in Lahore. He got his master’s degree in political science from the University of the Punjab. He started journalism during a politically charged era marked by strong ideological divisions in South Asia. Along with his elder brother Ejaz Hassan Qureshi, he became part of a right-leaning intellectual tradition influenced by Islamic scholar Abul A’la Maududi. In 1959, his brother founded Urdu Digest, and Qureshi served as its founding editor, shaping its editorial direction for decades. He also contributed political columns to leading Urdu newspaper Daily Jang, gaining wide readership for his analysis of national affairs. His writings covered major political developments in Pakistan, including the separation of East Pakistan and various military regimes. His views were influential but often controversial, and he and his brother were reportedly detained multiple times under different governments due to their political positions. Over his career, he authored several books, including Mulaqaatein, Jang-e-Sitambar Ki Yaadein, Muqabil Hai Aaina, Chhay Nukaat Ki Sachi Tasveer, Mazeed Mul