Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Hosts Condolence Reference in Honor of Former Treasurer Akhtar Hussain Jafri
Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, organized a condolence reference to commemorate the former treasurer Akhtar Hussain Jafri. The event took place at Haseena Moin Hall. Prominent figures including Provincial Minister of Information, Minority Affairs, Social Protection, and President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, Professor Anees Zaidi, Huma Bukhari, Shehryar Zaidi, Samar Abbas Jafri, Fatima Hasan, Major Hameed Abbasi, Rafiq Mughal, Awais Adeeb Ansari, Rizwan Sadiqi, Shakil Aslam, and Mashhad Jafri, who expressed their thoughts. Akhtar Hussain Jafri’s family was also present at the occasion.
The memorial reference commenced with the recitation of the Quran, followed by a prayer for Akhtar Hussain Jafri by Shakil Khan. Speaking at the event, Provincial Minister Muhammad Ahmed Shah said that”My encounter with Akhtar Hussain Jafri happened within the precincts of the Arts Council and he wasn’t just an ordinary person. He supported me a lot. He often said to many people, ‘This guy is skillful.’ I trusted him; he never lied or deceived anyone. Shah emphasized the institution’s significance. He said “This institution remembers everyone; the seniors have contributed a lot to this institution.
They were all visionary individuals. Those who established this institution in 1954 have made significant contributions to the preservation of national culture. He added, “People are recognized by their cities all over the world. We are planning a festival to promote Karachi’s identity. Instead of saving pennies, we should remember those who built Karachi, regardless of their religion. Professor Anis Zaidi remarked, “Buildings catch everyone’s attention, but sometimes the bricks get lost.
Art Council is not a government institution, but Ahmed Shah has given it international recognition. Akhtar Hussain Jafri was a humanitarian; he never procrastinated on any task. After the passing of his wife, Akhtar Hussain was shattered. Renowned actor Shehryar Zaidi reminisced, “I had befriended him during our university days. He was always available to help everyone, a truly noble soul. I regret not meeting him more often in his final days.
Huma Bukhari stated, “He never walked ahead, wondering how to guide people. He always walked with people, leading by example. There were two situations which were challenging for me the one when I Consoled him and the second when I consoled for him. Renowned poet Fatima Hasan said, ” Those loved during their lives are remembered even after they’re gone. People only truly die when they are forgotten. He wasn’t a poet or a writer; he made people his own with his exemplary character.
A good person may have left, but they leave behind an example for others. Samar Abbas Jafri reflected, “Remaining humble despite being in power is a remarkable feat. Rafiq Mughal highlighted the lasting impact of one’s moral character, transcending physical existence. Despite holding esteemed positions, individuals like Akhtar Hussain Jafri never faltered in their compassion, setting a benchmark for others.
Condolence reference was attended by other notable literary and social figures, including Qudsiyah Akbar, Sultan Ahmed, Salma Baig, Shahida Khurshid, and Basit Ali. Meanwhile, Nadim Hashmi performs the duties of Moderator