KARACHI: Speakers at a memorial reference for photojournalist Mujeebur Rehman paid tribute to his work and dedication to the profession and called for the establishment of a photography institute after his name to fittingly recognise his stature.

At a programme jointly organised by the Pakistan Association of Photojournalists and the Karachi Press Club on the latter’s premises, journalists, colleagues and admirers praised the late Mr Rehman for his services to the profession and fraternity which, they said, gravely missed since his demise last year.

“He was a brave photojournalist who worked to the fullest of his potential for 40 long years,” said Muhammad Ali Siddiqi, Dawn Readers Editor.

He said Mr Rehman remained associated with Dawn and its evening newspaper, Star, for four decades. He was a brave person who feigned death several times to catch snaps that earned him laurels and praise from his friends and foes alike.

He gave the reference of Mr Rehman’s epic photo after the assassination of politician Zahoorul Hasan Bhopali.

“Mujeebur Rehman was on the spot where he could save his life from the hail of bullets just because of good luck,” said Mr Siddiqi.

His home is full of prizes and certificates that came his way because of his hard work. He faced hard times with soft demeanour and defied the lethal diseases for a long time till he breathed his last, he added.

Rehmatullah Khan, who teaches photography at various prestigious institutions, proposed that a photography institution be established after the late photographer’s name. He offered that he would contribute at least 5,000 pictures to it.

Labour leader Habibuddin Junedi reminisced about his long association with Mr Rehman and said he was a humble person who was ready to help anyone who knocked at his door.

KPC secretary A.H. Khanzada praised Mr Rehman for his professional honesty.

Shafiuddin Ashraf, chairman of the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Council, said the late photographer worked hard for the welfare of the fraternity.

Journalists Mukhtar Aqil, Imran Zakir and G.M. Jamali and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Sindh Assembly member Sajid Ahmed also spoke.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2016