ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): At the condolence reference held in memory of renowned columnist, intellectual, writer, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui (late), organized by the Pakistan Cultural Forum, CDA Labour Union, and Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), federal ministers, parliamentarians, business leaders, and distinguished individuals from various walks of life paid rich tribute to the late Irfan Siddiqui. Speakers said that he promoted a culture of tolerance in politics, convinced others through reason, and always listened to opposing viewpoints with patience. In today’s era, they emphasized, we must learn from his life to foster progress and reduce political tensions.
At the condolence reference held at PNCA, Zafar Bakhtawari presented a resolution proposing that a road in Islamabad be named after Irfan Siddiqui, which was unanimously approved.
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that Senator Irfan Siddiqui was a shining symbol of Pakistan’s intellectual tradition. He possessed the ability to take the opposition along in politics. It is political moderation, he said, that leads nations forward. If we fail to learn this lesson, we will continue repeating the mistakes of the past. He added that Irfan Siddiqui always used reason rather than stubbornness to make his point. The Minister further said that Parliament is supreme and must remain supreme; the right to amend the Constitution lies solely with Parliament and cannot be challenged anywhere. He said the establishment of a Constitutional Court is not a new idea; it is part of the Charter of Democracy signed by Nawaz Sharif and the late Benazir Bhutto. Imran Khan also agreed to it. All provinces have equal representation in the Constitutional Court, and Islamabad has also been given representation. He said that the dream of a Constitutional Court has now been fulfilled according to the Constitution, and it should be allowed to function so that the country can move forward. He thanked Zafar Bakhtawari for organizing this memorable event in Irfan Siddiqui’s honor.
Former Senator Pervaiz Rashid said in his address that Irfan Siddiqui was an outstanding writer, columnist, teacher, and politician— a multifaceted personality gifted with eloquence and clarity of thought. He will always remain alive in our hearts. He said Irfan Siddiqui had a romantic temperament, his poetry is worth reading, and the letters he wrote are in no way inferior to the letters of Ghalib. He added that Siddiqui could write a full column while conversing with friends. His literary taste was no less refined than that of Ghalib. The word “late,” he said, does not seem appropriate for him— he is only out of sight, not gone from our hearts. He recited a verse: “Irfan, it is true that dreams often turn into their opposite… In the beginning of love, we too saw many beautiful dreams.”
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that Irfan Siddiqui was not just a name but a multifaceted personality and his own teacher. He said that when he became an MNA, he learned the secrets and subtleties of politics from Irfan Siddiqui. His politics embodied love, compassion, and respect; he never abandoned patience for even a moment.
Zafar Bakhtawari said that to reduce tensions in society, we need many Irfan Siddiquis. He was a dear friend, an excellent writer, poet, columnist, and a moderate political figure. He had the ability to speak with grace and persuade with logic. He said that wisdom and intellect are increasingly diminishing in society, and we must draw from Irfan Siddiqui’s life to revive them. Irfan Siddiqui was a embodiment of wisdom, he added. Nawaz Sharif showed remarkable insight by keeping both Irfan Siddiqui and Pervaiz Rashid—representing the right and left wings—close to him, and relied on them in every important consultation. He said that Siddiqui’s columns are a treasure for future columnists; he had a unique writing style. Anyone wishing to learn and appreciate good Urdu should read Irfan Siddiqui’s columns and writings.
Senator (R) General Abdul Qayyum said that Irfan Siddiqui trained the nation through his pen for half a century. Every one of his columns imparted knowledge, culture, and high moral values. His passing is not just the loss of an individual but the end of an era. Writers like Irfan Siddiqui illuminate societies, and nations survive because of such intellectuals.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh paid tribute, saying that Siddiqui was a teacher, researcher, and intellectual who always prioritized moral steadfastness. His writings reflected decency, refinement, and reasoning. Pakistan’s literary landscape will remain incomplete without him.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that Irfan Siddiqui’s writings were a means of moral reform in society. He was a guiding light for the youth. Today, the entire nation salutes his scholarly contributions.
Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen said that Irfan Siddiqui placed justice and integrity at the heart of every decision and dedicated his life to public service. His character and services are exemplary for all.
The late senator’s son, Nauman Siddiqui, said that his father rose from a junior teacher to professor and later served as Press Secretary to the President. At home, he never became angry, even when children made noise; he would continue writing his column in the midst of it. He always taught us that hard work, honesty, and sincerity are the greatest legacy. We are proud to be the children of a father who placed justice and principles above all and served people wholeheartedly. His guidance, insight, and ethics will always remain with us, and it is our duty to follow in his footsteps.
