KARACHI: Senior journalist and poet late Sharif Kamal Usmani was remembered at the Pakistan Arts Council on Thursday.

At the outset, Chairman Press Publication and Library Committee Anwer Ali Roomi introduced the late Usmani to the audience. The late Usmani to him was an ‘ustad’, who did a lot to groom his talents as a journalist, Mr Ali said.

Presided over by Prof Saher Ansari, the condolence meeting was addressed by former colleagues, friends and admirers of the late journalist. They admired him the most for being generous and helpful to everyone, whoever sought his help on any matter.

The late Usmani, who entered the profession of journalism in 1958, worked for many local dailies including the defunct Hurriyat and The Star later being his last link with the profession. He had specialized in the reporting of education sector and remained unmatched in this field. He had always been admired by teachers and administrators alike for his honesty and sense of commitment to education.

Mr Farhad Zaidi, who had been the editor of Hurryiat (now defunct), recalled the late Usmani as a “real gentleman”, whose attachment with the paper was singular.

The colleague of late Usmani, Mr Sajid Ali Sajid, read out a paper on the personal and professional qualities of the dedicated man. Among others, who spoke on the occasion, included Prof Rais Ahmad, Prof Kafil, poet Mr Naqqash Kazmi, journalist Yusuf Khan and many others.

Prof Saher Ansari, who had since long association with the late Usmani remembered him also as a poet, a much sought after writer at the radio and PTV, when it came to writing for children. The late Usmani had authored a poetry collection for children. He had also written autobiography and the script was now in the hands of Prof Ansari. Hopefully, it will be soon published as promised by the host at the council.

The late Usmani’s son, Mr Usama Usmani, disclosed about Mr Usmani’s last manuscript with the appeal to get it published, which was readily accepted by Mr Roomi and later forcefully confirmed by Mr Rizwan Ahmad, also an office-bearer of the council.

Mr Ali Hussain Sajid, co-chairperson of the Press Committee conducted the proceedings.—Hasan Abidi