PFUJ lauds services of Safdar Ali Qureshi

Islamabad—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sudden demise of Safdar Ali Qureshi, former President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).Safdar Qureshi died of cardiac arrest on Thursday evening. He was 83 and leaves behind five brothers and four sisters to mourn his death.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, the PFUJ paid rich tributes to late Sadar Ali, and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family.

Safdar Qureshi had once been a cult figure in national media. Tall, handsome and a towering figure he remained in the limelight distinguishing himself as an impeccable journalist who kept himself aloof of various groupings or political affiliations.

He was educated at the Government College Lahore and was associated with the Associated Press of Pakistan, the official news agency as an intern at Peshawar. APP was then in the private sector and was being run by its founder, Malik Tajuddin, as its Managing Trustee.

He rose steadily under the watchful eyes of his shrewd mentor, moving on to Lahore, Karachi even to Dacca on postings. He stayed in Karachi for a long time, remaining a dominant figure who stood out a as a voice of reason and independence everywhere.Owing to his qualities, he twice became an undisputed President of the PFUJ and remained actively involved in the Karachi Press Club.—NNI