KARACHI, Sept 29: Khalique Ibrahim Khalique, 80, a well-known man of letters, died after protracted illness here on Friday.

Khalique was born in February 1926 in Hyderabad Deccan where his father, Hakim Mohammad Rafiq Ibrahim (1896-1963), ran a clinic. Later, the family returned to their hometown, Lucknow, where Khalique received his early education and the family established famous Takmeelut Tibb College. His grandfather and father also played an active part in the freedom movement.

Khalique’s literary career spans more than six decades. He emerged as a poet and writer in the 1940s and his English and Urdu works were published across the Indian subcontinent. He has hundreds of articles, papers, translations and many books to his credit.

After graduating from the Punjab University, Lahore, he started his career in Mumbai with the Information Films of India. Later he came to Pakistan and joined the Department of Films and Publications and served it for 25 years before getting retirement as director films.

Being a pioneer documentary filmmaker in the country, he received numerous national and international awards. His most famous films include Ghalib, Pakistan Story, Architecture, Cultural Heritage of Pakistan, One Acre of Land, Pathway to Prosperity and Coconut Tree. He penned his memoirs — Manzilain Gard Ki Mannind — in 2000. His poetry book is titled ‘Teen Taveel Nazmain’.

Progressive ideas attracted Ibrahim Khalique. Though quiet by nature, he made a large number of like-minded intellectuals, including Israrul Haq Majaz, his friends. He was buried in the Sakhi Hasan graveyard on Friday.

He is survived by widow Hamra Khalique and sons Haris Khalique and Tariq Khalique. His soyem will be held at his residence O-1, Hasan Apartment, near Hasan Square, After Asr prayer on Sunday.