Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan addresses the audience during the launch ceremony of educationist Shahid Siddiqui’s book at Punjab University Literary Festival 2026 in Lahore, Pakistan.
LAHORE
Irfan Siddiqui’s principled stance on constitutional supremacy, democracy deserves recognition says Pakistani Punjab Assembly Speaker
At the launch of Shahid Siddiqui’s book, speakers highlight Irfan Siddiqui’s intellectual legacy and contributions to democratic discourse.
By Muhammad Anique Butt | Correspondent2 min read
LAHORE: Pakistan's Provincial Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that renowned intellectual, columnist and Senator Irfan Siddiqui was a principled voice who believed in reasoned discourse and remained steadfast in his convictions.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of Pakistani educationist Shahid Siddiqui’s book "Irfan Bhai Aur Main" at Punjab University Literary Festival 2026, organised as part of the Book Fair 2026 at Al-Razi Hall.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Irfan Siddiqui’s views and counsel on key national issues, including constitutional supremacy, democratic authority and national security, had been highly valuable. He said he had always listened attentively to Siddiqui’s writings, parliamentary speeches and television discussions on complex national affairs.
He added that Siddiqui’s columns helped readers understand aspects of current affairs that often remained overlooked. The speaker also appreciated his advice and contributions regarding Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy and national security.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said the promotion of literary activities was essential for character-building among young people. He recalled that Irfan Siddiqui had greatly encouraged him after he assumed the office of vice chancellor and said the late writer would continue to live in readers’ hearts through his remarkable literary works.
Senior journalists Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami and Sohail Warraich, author Shahid Siddiqui and Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting Prof Dr Lubna Zahir also spoke about Irfan Siddiqui’s literary contributions. They observed that the void left by his death in the literary world would take time to fill and appreciated Shahid Siddiqui’s efforts in compiling the book.
The speakers said the book comprised two parts. The first recounted Shahid Siddiqui’s memories of Irfan Siddiqui and his intellectual journey, while the second featured a selection of his writings.
They emphasised that the book should be included in the libraries of educational institutions to inspire young people and demonstrate how hard work and perseverance could help individuals achieve distinction despite limited resources.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of Pakistani educationist Shahid Siddiqui’s book "Irfan Bhai Aur Main" at Punjab University Literary Festival 2026, organised as part of the Book Fair 2026 at Al-Razi Hall.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Irfan Siddiqui’s views and counsel on key national issues, including constitutional supremacy, democratic authority and national security, had been highly valuable. He said he had always listened attentively to Siddiqui’s writings, parliamentary speeches and television discussions on complex national affairs.
He added that Siddiqui’s columns helped readers understand aspects of current affairs that often remained overlooked. The speaker also appreciated his advice and contributions regarding Pakistan’s Afghanistan policy and national security.
Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said the promotion of literary activities was essential for character-building among young people. He recalled that Irfan Siddiqui had greatly encouraged him after he assumed the office of vice chancellor and said the late writer would continue to live in readers’ hearts through his remarkable literary works.
Senior journalists Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami and Sohail Warraich, author Shahid Siddiqui and Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting Prof Dr Lubna Zahir also spoke about Irfan Siddiqui’s literary contributions. They observed that the void left by his death in the literary world would take time to fill and appreciated Shahid Siddiqui’s efforts in compiling the book.
The speakers said the book comprised two parts. The first recounted Shahid Siddiqui’s memories of Irfan Siddiqui and his intellectual journey, while the second featured a selection of his writings.
They emphasised that the book should be included in the libraries of educational institutions to inspire young people and demonstrate how hard work and perseverance could help individuals achieve distinction despite limited resources.
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