KARACHI, Oct 20: Paying tributes to late journalist Mushtaq Memon, speakers at a condolence meeting here on Thursday described him as a ‘man of ideology and commitment’ who had never compromised on principles.

They said although he was born in a well-to-do family, the late Memon preferred his life as a common man and, no doubt, he lived a life what he believed in.

The speakers recalled his early life when he was a student activist, saying that the late journalist had always supported progressive forces in their struggle against tyranny and dictatorships in the country.

Being a Marxist and a democrat, he had always stood for the rights of the downtrodden and oppressed nationalities, and strongly opposed the forces of repression and subjugation, they added.

The meeting, presided over by his brother, Senator Nisar Memon, was held under the auspices of the Karachi Press Club on its premises and was addressed by KPC members, trade unionists and political leaders. Prominent among them were Mairaj Mohammad Khan, Yusuf Mustikhan and Usman Baloch.

They also highlighted the role of the late journalist in the struggle for a free press, saying that he had struggled for the rights of working journalists and had never used his family connections for personal gains.

Although the late Memon had remained active in every progressive movement, but he never aspired for a high office and always kept himself in a low profile.

Senator Nisar Memon said his late brother was a staunch democrat and nationalist and practiced what he believed in. He said Mushtaq was never tempted by money or property because he believed in a philosophy where material things do not matter.

Recalling some of the events of their early life, Senator Memon said Mushtaq had always been social in his community. He used to play football with community boys and chose the role of a goalkeeper for himself.

It was perhaps for this reason that he had a specific bent of mind of defending his ideology, he said.

KPC President Sabihuddin Ghausi also spoke on the occasion. He highlighted the role of Mushtaq Memon in the struggle for the rights of club members.