News
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Veteran progressive journalist Abbas Athar Shah passes awayLAHORE: Veteran progressive journalist and poet Syed Abbas Athar Shah has passed away in the wee hours of Monday at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH). He had been suffering from cancer. 76-year-old Abbas Athar Shah was known as ‘Shah Jee’ in the journalist community. He had gone abroad for treatment and had returned with improved health. However his condition deteriorated a few months ago and he was hospitalised again. He had been on ventilator for the last few days.He was a prominent progressive critic, political analyst, TV anchor and a columnist for the Express newspaper. Shah Jee started his career in the 60s as sub-editor in Urdu newspapers and got a career boost during General Yahya’s military regime in 1971 as news editor of a newly established Urdu newspaper named “Azad”, considered an organ of the PPP.Abbas Athar was awarded ‘Pride of Performance’ award for his services to journalism. President Asif Ali Zardari and Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has expressed profound grief and sorrow over his demise. They lauded his services to journalism and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. They also prayed for granting courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude. Shah Jee was laid to rest at Tajpura in Lahore in the presence of thousands of mourners including politicians, journalists, bureaucrats, police officials and military men. He leaves behind two wives, three daughters and two sons. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk