ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani poet, author and playwright Amjad Islam Amjad passed away in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, Pakistani media reported, citing his family.
Amjad, who had been ill for some time, died of cardiac arrest, according to his family.
“Renowned poet and drama writer and critic Amjad Islam Amjad passed away in Lahore on Friday. He was 78,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Amjad Islam Amjad. He expressed sympathies with bereaved family.”
Born in Lahore on August 4, 1944, Amjad acquired his early education in the same city and completed his master’s degree in Urdu from the Punjab University. He authored more than three dozen books and was well known for his romantic ghazals and poems.
During his career spanning 50 years, Amjad received a number of awards, including Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz awards, for his literary services.
He also taught at Lahore’s MAO College from 1968 till 1975. In August 75, he was appointed director of the Punjab Arts Council. His famous screenplays include Waris, Din, Fishaar and Inkar.
President Arif Alvi expressed his grief over Amjad’s passing by sharing few of his couplets on Twitter.
