An era of Urdu literature came to an end on Wednesday when the most celebrated humourist and satirist of our times passed away. Mushtaq Ahmad Yousufi died after a protracted illness in Karachi. He was 94.
Some of his most popular works include Chiragh Talay, Khakam-ba-dahan, Zarguzasht, Aab-E-gum and Sham-e-Shair-e-Yaaraan.
In recognition of his contributions to Urdu literature, the government of Pakistan conferred upon him two highest literary awards Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 1999 and 2002, respectively.
Yousufi was born on August 4, 1923 in the then princely state of Tonk in United India. His father was the political secretary of the state. Yousufi migrated to Pakistan in 1956 and became a career banker.
Yousufi was widely admired in the literary circles for his unique way of writing and subtle satire.
Literary circles, media persons and fans have expressed grief over the demise of the legendary writer and appreciated his contribution to Urdu literature.Yousufi is considered one of the most prominent and renowned humorists of Pakistan.
Yousufi also served as the head of several national and international governmental and financial institutions. He was a banker by profession and worked in Muslim Commercial Bank and Allied Bank.
He received several awards, including Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1999 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2002 (the highest literary honor given by the Government of Pakistan).
Mushtaq Yousaf suffered from pneumonia a few days back after which he was shifted to a hospital in Karachi. The writer was placed on a ventilator after his condition deteriorated, while he was pronounced dead by the doctors on Wednesday.
Yusufi was born in Rajasthan, Indian on September 4, 1921. He received a masters degree from Agra University, while he also studied LLB from Aligarh Muslim University. The veteran writer arrived in Karachi along with his family during partition of the sub-continent in 1947.
As soon as the news broke, admirers of the deceased offered tributes and condolences on social media. Twitter user Atique Lashari (lashari_atique) said: “End of an era. The greatest literary humorist and satirist in the Urdu language Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi passes away in Karachi.”
User Hasan Wakeel (Hasanw181) said: “Today, Urdu has lost its shining star. The demise of Mushtaq Yusufi has left a void impossible to fill for generations. His humour and writings will always be remembered. May Allah grant him place in Jannat.”
For his services in the field of literature in Pakistan, he was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1999 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2002 by the president.
