ISLAMABAD, April 13 Friends and colleagues showered tributes on renowned journalist Sabihuddin Ghausi at a reference held by the South Asia Free Media Association (Safma) here on Monday.

Mr Ghausi died in Karachi on March 26 after a brief illness.

Recalling their association with Mr Ghausi, they said he was not only an outstanding journalist but a committed trade unionist, who dedicated his life to journalism and the welfare of his community.

They said Mr Ghausi, one of the finest economic journalists, was equally popular in the business community for his objective writings.

Mr Ghausi went to prison during the journalists` movement against Gen Ziaul Haq in 1978.

Senior journalist Afzal Khan, who was jailed with the late journalist, narrated the hardships Mr Ghausi underwent in the prison. He said when they were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment Mr Ghausi was assigned the job of weaving chairs. He said he braved hot and humid weather of Mianwali Jail, but never compromised on his principles.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist`s former Secretary-General Mazhar Abbas said Mr Ghausi was known for his challenges to the Establishment. He was open to criticism and was never annoyed by staunchest of opposition.

Dawn`s Resident Editor Zaffar Abbas also spoke on the occasion.