ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: The first death anniversary of Hameed Akhtar Khan, intellectual and columnist and former editor Daily Imroz and Musawat, was held in Islamabad.

The anniversary was held under the aegis of Progressive Writers Association. Chief Guest on the occasion was Professor Anwar Ahmed, chairman National language Authority.

Mr Anwar lauded the commitments and devotion of Hameed Akhtar Khan to his profession.

“He never asked for any favours from anyone – he was a very simple person,” Prof Anwar said.

Late Hameed Akhtar was imprisoned in 1952 for his progressive thoughts that were not acceptable to the government of the time, where he wrote the book titled, Kaal Kothri.

Published in 1953, the provincial government Punjab at that time decided to confiscate the book but the decision became disputed whether to ban the book or arrest the writer and it was decided to reform the prisons, instead of taking action against the writer.

He wrote many books on a variety of topics, including short stories and fiction.

It was highlighted that Mr Hameed Khan, a native of Ludhiana, East Punjab also went to the centre of Indian film industry – Bombay (Mumbai) in 1942 and acted in a number of films. He also produced two feature films.

However, after independence he came to Lahore and was active in literary activities.

The speakers informed that the late Hameed Akhtar was a family man and despite his progressive thoughts had learnt the Quran by heart and his circle of friends included Sahir Ludhianvi and Ibne Insha.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Agha Nasir and Professor Syed Ziauddin.

“He always believed in equitable and fair distribution of wealth and resources, and worked for this cause,” Prof Syed Ziauddin added.