LAHORE: Seraiki nationalist, writer, and journalist Irshad Ameen passed away in Multan on Sunday.

Ameen was visiting Multan and staying at a local hotel when his health deteriorated, and he was taken to the hospital where he breathed his last. He leaves behind a daughter and a wife, as well as countless fans and friends to mourn.

Ameen belonged to Chachran Sharif in district Rahim Yar Khan and was residing with his family in Lahore. He organised the first Seraiki literature and cultural festival in Chacharan Sharif in 1983, in which writers, poets, and intellectuals from different parts of the country participated. The first Seraiki literature and cultural festival was often referred to as the beginning of the Seraiki province movement.

Irshad Ameen also established his Seraiki publication house and published several books, including a novel titled ‘Choliyan’ and the poetry collection of Khawja Ghulam Fareed. He also worked with national newspapers and local Seraiki publications, as well as with Lahore-based magazine ‘Hum Shehri’ and FM 103.

His columns were also published in local and national newspapers. His body is being sent to Lahore to his family residing in Model Town.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2023