KARACHI, Nov 11: The Anjuman Tariqqui-i-Urdu has condoled the death of poet Jon Elia, says a press release.

The press release adds that Jon Elia had been associated with the Anjuman for some time for the compilation of an Arabic dictionary, but unfortunately the project fell through.

He had a good command of oriental languages. His books include Masih Baghdad, Hallaj and Tawasain, besides his first anthology of poems, Shayid, the press release says.

A condolence meeting at the Anjuman expressed grief over the death of Jon Elia. Besides others, Aftab Ahmed and Jamiluddin Aali attended the meeting.

The Urdu Lughat Board also condoled the death of Jon Elia. Dr Farman Fatehpuri presided over the condolence meeting.

A press release says that Jon had been associated with the Urdu Lughat Board as an assistant editor. “He was fond of explaining and interpreting words. As a poet too he enriched Urdu literature. He will always be remembered for his services.”