Islamabad: A condolence reference in memory of renowned columnist, intellectual, writer and former senator Irfan Siddiqui was held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on Thursday.
The event was jointly organized by the Pakistan Cultural Forum, CDA Labour Union and PNCA, and was attended by federal ministers, senior parliamentarians, business leaders, literary figures and a large number of admirers. Speakers paid tribute to Irfan Siddiqui’s contributions to journalism, politics, literature and intellectual discourse, recalling his commitment to tolerance, reasoned debate and moderation.
During the ceremony, Zafar Bakhtawari presented a resolution proposing the naming of a road in Islamabad after Irfan Siddiqui, which was unanimously approved by the participants.
Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar described Siddiqui as a symbol of Pakistan’s intellectual tradition and said his politics was rooted in moderation and dialogue. He said Parliament remains the supreme institution in constitutional matters and urged that the recently established Constitutional Court be allowed to function for national progress.
Former senator Pervaiz Rashid praised Siddiqui’s literary and intellectual depth, calling him an outstanding columnist, teacher and political thinker. He compared the quality of Siddiqui’s writings and personal correspondence to classical literary standards.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry recalled him as his mentor and said Siddiqui’s political approach was based on patience, respect and wisdom. Zafar Bakhtawari said society needed more personalities like Siddiqui to promote intellectual moderation and reduce polarization.
Other speakers, including Senator (R) General Abdul Qayyum, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood and Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, highlighted Siddiqui’s intellectual legacy and described his writings as a source of moral and cultural guidance.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his son Nauman Siddiqui said his father’s life journey from a teacher to a professor and later Press Secretary to the President reflected hard work and integrity. He added that Siddiqui always emphasized honesty, sincerity and patience in both his professional and personal life.
The event concluded with a collective commitment by participants to carry forward Irfan Siddiqui’s legacy of wisdom, balance and intellectual integrity.
