Amjad Islam Amjad poses for a photograph.

Gulf Today Report

Renowned drama writer, poet and educationist Amjad Islam Amjad died of heart attack in Lahore on Friday. He was 78.

Amjad suffered a cardia arrest on Friday morning and he was rushed to a hospital where he breathed his last, said his family.

Amjad was among Pakistan’s best-known Urdu poets. Born on Aug.4, 1944, he had enjoyed immense popularity among Urdu-lovers because of his brilliant poetry and excellent screenplays.

Winner of many awards, including the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and an author of several books of poetry, he had been a regular feature at poetry readings all over the world for the last four decades.

Some of his plays, dramatised by Pakistan Television (PTV) and other private television channels, had won international acclaim. “Waaris,” “Samandar,” “Waqt,” “Dehleez,” “Raat” and “Apne Log” were among his most popular screenplays.

President Dr Arif Alvi expressed his profound grief and condolences over the death of Amjad.

As a tribute to the late poet, the president also posted some of the beautiful pieces of poetry on his twitter handle.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also conveyed his condolences over the passing away of the renowned poet in a tweet.

 The premier wrote, “A golden age of Urdu literature has come to its end after the death of poet and thinker Amjad Islam Amjad. He cultivated a generation of intellectuals through his plays and writings. The chant of his poetry will continue to melt in our ears for a long time.”

He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the departed soul high ranks in the paradise.

Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi also expressed his grief and sorrow over the demise of Amjad.

He said that Amjad’s poetry will always keep him alive in the hearts of millions and that he was the identity of Pakistan due to his unique poetry. With the death of Amjad, a bright era of Urdu literature has come to an end.

Naqvi also expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family.