KARACHI: Giant of journalism mourned: Khan Saab – grace personified
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, March 13: The death of veteran journalist, former editor-in-chief of Dawn Ahmed Ali Khan was widely mourned by the media and representatives of different organisations.
In condolence messages they paid rich tributes to the late Mr Khan and termed it a national loss. In his death, Pakistan has lost its most dedicated, noble and fine cultured human being, who was a legend in journalism and a pioneer in the field of objective journalism.
The President and General Secretary of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors Syed Fasih Iqbal and Wamiq A. Zuberi said in a joint statement that Ahmed Ali Khan’s death was a national loss.
Mr Khan in his illustrious career as an editor and journalist carved for himself a unique place as a completely devoted professional keen on upholding the code of ethics of CPNE and in defending all member editors of the CPNE against all forms of executive excess and abuse. They said that Mr Khan was also responsible for bringing about unity in the ranks of newspaper editors when he was unanimously elected as President of the CPNE on the merger of the NECP in the CPNE and the emergence of united CPNE in 1996-97.
He was always a fearless voice in the defence of press freedom and never faltered in opposing every draconian measure taken by the executive in Pakistan to put pressure on the press in Pakistan. His role as newspaper editor became an example for other editors in the country to emulate.
The CPNE office bearers extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that may Allah in His mercy grant the late Ahmed Ali Khan a place in paradise. The CPNE had also announced to hold a special reference to pay homage soon.
APNS: Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman, President, and Kazi Asad Abid, Secretary General, of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on behalf of the office-bearers and members of their Executive Committee expressed profound grief over the demise of Ahmed Ali Khan, the former editor of Daily Dawn.
They observed that in his death the newspaper industry lost the senior most journalist and editor. He was a very decent person and a man of high calibre who served the print media for many decades.
Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad also expressed heartfelt sorrow. Recalling his invaluable services in the field of journalism, he prayed for eternal peace and fortitude to the bereaved family.
Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim in his condolence message to the bereaved family said that the services of late Khan Saheb in the field of journalism would always be remembered
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence Nisar Memon paid homage to the services of late Ahmed Ali Khan, who he said was an institution and a fearless journalist. Terming his demise a great national loss he said that his commitment and dedication would always remain a guide for the journalists fraternity.
The City Nazim Mustafa Kamal also condoled the death and called it a great loss for the nation. Naib City Nazim Nasreen Jalil, who was on a private visit to London, in a message from London to the bereaved family said that the services of Mr Ahmed Ali Khan would always be remembered.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), expressed its deepest condolence. It said Mr Khan was one of the founders of the PFUJ, and termed his demise as the “death of an institution.”
The PFUJ directed all affiliated unions to organise condolence meetings. The Chairman, All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC) Shafiuddin Ashraf expressing great shock and grief paid glowing tributes to Ahmed Ali Khan who remained champion of free press through out his life.
The Managing Committee of the Pakistan Herald Workers’ Union, CBA of Dawn Group of Newspapers, condoled Mr Ahmed Ali Khan’s, death. “In him we have lost a man of commitment who fought bravely for freedom of the press and never compromised on principles, the committee added.
The KUJ Dawn unit expressed grief and sorrow on Mr Khan’s death. In a statement, KUJ unit chief Zaheer Ahmed Khan and deputy chief Tahir Siddiqui condoled with the bereaved family. A condolence meeting for late Ahmed Ali Khan will be held on March 15 (Thursday) at 4pm in the Dawn news room to eulogise his services.
Secretary General Human Rights Commission Pakistan Iqbal Haider expressed deep grief on the demise of Ahmed Ali Khan. His demise is an irreplaceable and irreparable loss for the nation.
Vice Chancellor Karachi University Professor Dr Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Editor Dawn Ahmed Ali Khan, father of Professor Dr Naveed Ahmed Tahir. He said with his demise a bright chapter of journalism had come to a close. He was a man of principle, courageous and fearless journalist.
Others who have send condolence messages include Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Central Deputy Secretary General Mian Raza Rabbani and PPP Sindh Deputy Secretary Information Waqar Mehdi. Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal Deputy Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, Jamaat-i-Islami Sindh chief and MNA Asadullah Bhutto, General secretary Rashid Nasim, Information secretary Mujahid Channa, Karachi bar Association President Iftikhar Javed Qazi, General Secretary Naeem Qureshi, Peoples Lawyers Forum President Shahadat Awan, Pakistan Muslim League –N Lawyers wing chief Arshad Jadoon, Karachi University Employees Welfare Association President Kabir Khan, General Secretary Muhammad Fareed Siddiqui and Wapda Chairman Tariq Hamid Khan.
KARACHI, March 13: The death of veteran journalist, former editor-in-chief of Dawn Ahmed Ali Khan was widely mourned by the media and representatives of different organisations.
