KARACHI, Oct 12: Speakers at a memorial meeting on Saturday recalled the services of late Brig Tafazul Hussain Siddiqui for the cause of journalism, and said he was a man of sound and resolute character who had deep sympathies for the people.

The speakers, including former chief editor of Dawn, Ahmed Ali Khan, recalled their association with late Taffazul Siddiqui, and said he was a role-model for many and had an expert perspective and knowledge of political issues.

The meeting was organized by the PPI news agency at the PPF-Vicky Zeitlin Media Library.

Late Brig. T.H. Siddiqui started his career as a naval officer, rose to the rank of Brigadier, served as the director of the ISPR and after retirement joined the PPI as its vice-chairman.

The speakers said that the people used to come to Mr Siddiqui for advices pertaining to their personal matters, which even included employment, and he extended a helping hand to all.

Ahmad Ali Khan recalled his first meeting with late Siddiqui in the early 40s and later association as a journalist. He said though Siddiqui had joined the armed forces, since he was basically a journalist he maintained loyalty to the journalistic community till the last.

CPNE general secretary Mahmood-ul-Aziz recalled that once Mr Siddiqui accompanied late President Gen Zial-ul-Haq on an official visit to S. Arabia, where the Saudi government presented costly gifts to the guests, in keeping with the tradition of the Arabs, but Siddiqui flatly refused to accept them.

Mrs T. H Siddiqui said Brig Siddiqui had left wonderful memories for all his friends and the family members.

Editor, Defense Journal, Ikram Sehgal, announced a monthly scholarship of Rs5000 for an internee in journalism as a token of respect to his late friend.

APNEC president A. Hameed Chhapra, PPI chairman Owais Aslam Ali, chief editor Fazal Qureshi, Naushaba Burney also spoke and paid tributes to late Siddiqui.