LAHORE, Dec 11: A dignified condolence reference to honour the life, services and literary legacy of late Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui was held at the Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust under the auspices of the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore, on Monday.
Senior journalists including Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Salman Ghani, Noor Ullah from Jang, Mohsin Mumtaz from Roznama Aftab, PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas, APP Lahore Bureau Chief Talib Hussain, Station Director Radio Pakistan Lahore Dr Ahmar Sohail Basra, intellectuals, public figures and academicians attended the gathering and paid glowing tributes to the late senator.
On the occasion, PID Director General Shafqat Abbas said Pakistan needed responsible and principled journalism more than ever, emphasising that every individual must contribute to strengthening and uplifting the country. He said the journalistic community had much to learn from the professional legacy and exemplary life of Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, whose unwavering commitment to integrity continued to serve as a guiding standard for the media.
The DG described Senator Siddiqui as a man of exceptional character and integrity, humility and statesmanship in equal measure. He said the Senator’s long association with journalism, education, literature and national politics had left a profound imprint on Pakistan’s intellectual and democratic landscape. He added that Senator Siddiqui was among those rare individuals whose personality truly reflected that of an exemplary teacher, inspiring others through knowledge, character and compassion.
Daily Pakistan Chief Editor Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami recalled meeting Senator Siddiqui during a journey and being struck by his quiet dignity and intellectual presence. “His personality radiated seriousness, knowledge and refinement. Teaching remained the defining thread of his life,” he said. He added that despite the unfair treatment and political victimisation the senator faced, including his 2019 arrest in a frivolous and later discredited case, he never succumbed to bitterness. “His grace and restraint, even in the face of injustice, were exemplary,” he remarked.
He added Senator Siddiqui enjoyed the full confidence of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and played an important advisory role in policy matters and political communication.
Senior journalist Salman Ghani said Senator Siddiqui symbolised principled journalism in Pakistan and consistently advocated democracy, constitutional continuity and the rights of the oppressed. He noted that the Senator belonged to a family with deep ideological and intellectual foundations and never indulged in personal attacks, always upholding decency in public discourse.
Senior journalist Noor Ullah of Daily Jang said Senator Siddiqui was a towering intellectual whose patriotism, love for the written word and commitment to Pakistan’s ideological foundations were central to his life. He recalled the Senator’s close association with former president and Chairman Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, noting that he frequently visited the institution and contributed to national intellectual dialogue.
Journalist Mohsin Mumtaz of Roznama Aftab said Senator Siddiqui led a life marked by dignity, patience and steadfastness. He described him as a teacher, columnist, writer and reformer who preferred meaningful action over rhetoric, adding that his humility and composure during personal trials remained defining traits.
Radio Pakistan Lahore Station Director Dr Ahmar Sohail Basra said Senator Siddiqui belonged to a generation of writers who upheld the sanctity of words and never compromised on ethical principles. He recalled the Senator’s writings for Radio Pakistan, including features and dramatic scripts, and praised their elegance, clarity and deep-rooted patriotism.
Other speakers said the late senator’s political, journalistic and literary contributions formed a rich legacy that must be preserved and carried forward. They prayed for the elevation of his ranks in the hereafter and patience for the bereaved family.
The condolence reference concluded with special prayers for Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui and a reaffirmation to uphold the values he championed education, ethical journalism, democratic continuity and service to Pakistan.