LAHORE: Eminent Urdu novelist Abdullah Hussain passed away here on Saturday after protracted illness. He was 84.

Abdullah Hussain was renowned for his Urdu novel Udas Naslein, which is considered a masterpiece of Urdu literature. His other acclaimed works include Nasheb, Nadaar Log, Azaad Log and Raat.

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The funeral prayers of Hussain, who battled blood cancer until his death, were offered at his residence in Lahore's DHA area on Saturday.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Abdullah Hussain, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

In his message to Hussain's bereaved family, the prime minister extended his condolences while lauding the services rendered by him towards the promotion and enrichment of Urdu literature.

The premier regarded his death as a loss to the nation especially the literary circles.

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Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rasheed commented on the death of Abdullah Hussain saying, “Pakistan has lost one of its shining stars and its pride in the passing away of Abdullah Hussain, a great author, writer, novelist and intellectual.”

Pervaiz said that being a man of letters, Abdullah Hussain possessed the virtues of creativity and sensitivity, and unique qualities of head and heart which distinguished him amongst his peers.