LAHORE: Speakers at a reference paid rich tribute to the struggle and ideology of late Meraj Muhammad Khan, a popular political leader of left, on Friday.

They recalled their memories and quality time spent with Mr Khan from his student life to country’s politics.

HRCP Director I.A Rehman said Mr Khan was a great human being and a courageous leader.

He said Mr Khan established himself as a political leader during oppression and dictatorship in the country that was a great success of him.

Recalling a last year meeting with Mr Khan, Mr Rehman said, “I found him ill and weak but not disappointed. If we want to pay tribute to Mr Khan, we should protect political capital of our country,” he said

Senior journalist Rashid Rehman said Meraj Muhammad Khan never deviated from his commitment and conviction despite many setbacks and defeats.

He said Mr Khan was a very good orator and progressive student leader. “Today we do not see a sincere and courageous leader like Mr Khan as there is an outbreak of opportunism,” Mr Rehman regretted.

He said struggle and principles of Mr Khan were needed to be conveyed to the new generation.

Dr Lal Khan said Meraj Khan was no more but his political legacy would continue forever. He said Mr Khan never frightened of challenges and oppression.

Sharing his experience, Pervez Saleh said Mr Khan had a very humble personality as he never tried to dictate his party members.

He said Mr Khan preferred his principles over luxuries of life and remained determined to his commitment.

Paying tribute to Mr Khan, senior journalist Hafiz Abdul Wadood said he never bowed down before the dictatorship and flatly rejected repeated lucrative offers from Ziaul Haq.

Mr Wadood said Mr Khan was the one who paved the path for Z.A Bhutto to do popular politics.

Dr Waseem, Farooq Tariq, Abid Hasan Manto and Imtiaz Alam also spoke and remembered the ideology of Meraj Muhammad Khan.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2016