I WAS surprised to read a news item, ‘Sons warn against exploiting Mehdi Hassan’s name’ (July 19).

The write-up told us about Mehdi Hassan’s sons protesting at a press conference against programmes held to pay tribute to, and books written on, their father without their permission.

They also warned that “anyone wanting to do a programme on Mehdi Hassan would have to inform the family first, otherwise legal action would be taken against the organisers.”

Amazing piece of news!

I had hoped that with the great singer’s passing away after more than a decade of physical and mental suffering, his troubles were over, but it looks like he is still not being spared the embarrassment he suffered during his long ailment.

How tragic that even in his eternal sleep he is still considered a goose that lays the golden egg!

At the above press conference it was also said by one of the sons “that his father had been ill for 12 years but no one had come forward to help him …”

Surely, many people — particularly those in the country and from across the border — who helped him would be deeply hurt by this ungrateful revelation.

People all over the world had the right to celebrate Mehdi Hassan during his glorious career.

I am afraid they still enjoy the right to celebrate him after his death.

S.M. SHAHIDKarachi

Postage stamps

I WOULD like to request the government to issue postage stamps as a tribute to four legendary singers of Pakistan: Ustad Amanat Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madame Noor Jehan and Mehdi Hassan.

The one with Mehdi Hassan can be brought out with the singer holding a musical instrument in his hand.

All four singers have won millions of hearts by singing songs and ghazals. They have left behind their unforgettable memories through their songs for a lifetime.

These melodies are an ever-lasting treasure for Pakistanis living here and abroad.

May their souls rest in peace.

ALBERT SAMUELKarachi