Munnu Bhai and Dr Ashfaq Ahmad pass away

LAHORE: Renowned writer, senior columnist and poet Munir Ahmad Qureshi, commonly known as Munnu Bhai, was laid to rest in Miani Sahib graveyard here on Friday. He was 84 years old.
His Namaz-e-Janaza was offered at Riwaz Garden ground after Asr prayers. PPP Punjab President Qamar Zaman Kaira, several prominent personalities, friends and a large number of people from different walks of life attended the funeral.
The senior journalist was suffering from kidney and cardiac problems for quite some time, and was also going through routine dialysis treatment.
Munno Bhai was born in Wazirabad on February 6, 1933. He was affiliated with journalism for more than 25 years. He also wrote dramas for Pakistan Television, his most famous being 'Sohna Chandni' which will always be remembered by his fans.
In 2007, he was given Pride of Performance award by the state of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran columnist Munnu Bhai.
According to an official statement, the Prime Minister lauded the role of Munnu Bhai in highlighting social issues, concern for differently abled persons and praised his standards of humanity throughout his life.
The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and to grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.
Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Munnu Bhai.
"So sad to hear Munnu Bhai has passed away. Pakistan loses another progressive voice of integrity & sanity," wrote the PPP Chairman in his tweet this morning.
In his condolence message, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that death of Munnu Bhai has created a vacuum in progressive literature and journalist, which can hardly be filled in many decades.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa has expressed deep grief on the demise of eminent national scientist, Dr Ashfaq Ahmad.
"The COAS appreciates role and contributions of Dr Ashfaq Ahmad towards Pakistan's nuclear programme", the Army Chief said in his message, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.
The COAS shares grief with bereaved family with prayers for eternal peace for the departed soul, the statement added.
Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal has expressed grief and sorrow over demise of nuclear physicist and former Chairman, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad who breathed his last on Thursday.
Paying tribute to Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad for his services for the country, the Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.
The entire nation is praying and grieved over death of Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, he said. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker and Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the passing away of eminent scientist and former head of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed and senior columnist and journalist Munnu Bhai.
Former President of Pakistan and President Pakistan People's Party Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the death of renowned columnist. Munnu Bhai after a prolong illness in Lahore on Friday. Former President in a condolence message paying rich tributes to Munnu Bhai said that his services for journalism, literature and social work will be long remembered. He will be missed by Pakistani citizens for a long time.
Asif Ali Zardari also extended his sympathies with the family and friends of Munnu Bhai.
Former President prayed to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. - NNI