PESHAWAR: Pashto writer and former director general of Radio Pakistan Laiqzada Laiq breathed his last in a local hospital here on Monday. He was 64.

According to family sources, Mr Laiq was admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) after suffering heart attack about two weeks ago. His bypass surgery was carried out but he remained on ventilator due to unstable condition. He breathed his last on Monday morning.

His body was taken to his native Swat district where he was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Madyan the same day. A large number of poets, writers, civil society members and fans attended his funeral prayer. Local elders were also among the mourners.

He left behind five sons namely Waseem, Waqar, Waleed, Abbas and Wajid and a daughter Zari Laiq to mourn his death. His wife had died few years ago.

Liaqzada Laiq had started his career from Radio Pakistan Peshawar. He retired as director general of Radio Pakistan Islamabad four years ago.

Born in 1959, Laiqzada did masters in Pashto and Urdu from University of Peshawar and joined PBC Peshawar where he served in different capacities including station director and programme manager. He had several popular Pashto radio talk shows and magazine shows to his credit that gained mass popularity.

Mr Laiq authored around 40 books including short stories, radio plays, prose, research, literary criticism and more than a dozen Pashto poetry collections. His popular books include Sandara Na Maree, Lewantob, Za Ba Na Lwanay Kegam. Most of his books received awards and commendation certificates. He was expert on Pashto folk music.

Mr Laiq remained the best songwriter and many noted Pashto folk singers have sung his songs. He was recipient of over 100 awards and certificates including coveted pride of performance for his refined literary contribution to Pashto language and literature.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023