ISLAMABAD, Oct 31: Speakers at a reference here on Sunday paid tributes to Ashfaq Ahmed for his services to Urdu literature and broadcasting sector.

The reference was organized by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) with the aim of shedding light on the character and services of the late writer and dramatist Ashfaq Ahmed.

AIOU Vice-Chancellor Dr Altaf Hussain observed that Mr Ahmed was a mystic and always tried to facilitate others.

The AIOU had invited Mr Ahmed to share his knowledge with the students and faculty in the 'Speaker at the Campus Programme'. However, he could not turn up due to his deteriorating health, and today he is no more with us, he said.

National Language Authority Chairman Fateh Mohammad Malik said a vacuum had been created with the death of such a great literary figure. He said Mr Ahmed had a dynamic personality and was equally brilliant as a dramatist, broadcaster and writer, besides, being an outstanding organizer.

Out of his personal resources, Ashfaq Ahmed had established the building of the Central Urdu Board in one of the posh areas of Lahore which was a great achievement. He said Mr Ahmed had tried his best to forge national unity through literature by working for the development of other 'regional' languages.

Renowned poet and Academy of Letters Chairman Iftikhar Arif said Ashfaq Ahmed was dynamic in the sense that he had changed his priorities at different stages of his life. His last priority had remained welfare of the people.

During his life time, which spanned over seven decades, Mr Ahmed had authored 30 books, he said.