KARACHI, Sept 7: The death of Hasan Abidi was widely condoled on Wednesday. The Anjuman Tarraqi Urdu held a condolence meeting to mourn his death and the participants described the passing away of Mr Abidi as a big loss to Urdu literature. President of the Anjuman Aftab Ahmed Khan and Jamiluddin Aali said the death had created a great void which would always be felt.

The condolence meeting prayed to the Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. They also offered ‘fateha’ for the departed soul.

Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University, Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, has also condoled the demise of Hassan Abidi. He also recounted the contributions of the deceased for the cause of journalism and Urdu literature.

Members of the National Council of Academics and the Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences, with which Mr Abidi remained associated, also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Mr Abidi.

He was one of the founder members and was twice elected vice president of the NCA.

In a statement Prof Mohammad Naseer, Rahat Saeed, Iqbal Alavi and Jamal Naqvi said he was a spiritual guide, mentor and a valuable asset to the council and the institute. He presided over his last meeting at the Irtiqa Adabi Forum.

Political leaders who condoled the demise of Mr Abidi included MQM chief Altaf Hussain, PPP leaders Amin Fahim, Taj Haider, Qaim Ali Shah, Nafees Siddiqui and Nisar Khuhro.

SOYEM: Soyem for late Hasan Abidi was held on Wednesday in which a large number of journalists, writers and intellectuals and activists were present. They prayed for the departed soul.