Noted Pakistani columnist and author Tarek Fatah passed away on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer, his daughter confirmed. Fatah, who lived in Canada, was 73.
"Lion of Punjab. Son of Hindustan. Lover of Canada. Speaker of truth. Fighter for justice. Voice of the down-trodden, underdogs, and the oppressed. Tarek Fatah has passed the baton on...his revolution will continue with all who knew and loved him. Will you join us? 1949-2023," Natasha Fatah tweeted.
After news of his death emerged, tributes poured in on social media.
Noted film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri tweeted, "There was one and only Tarek Fatah - daring, funny, knowledgable, sharp thinker, great orator and a fearless fighter. Tarek, my brother, it was a delight to have you as a close friend. Will you be able to rest in peace? Om Shanti."
Who Was Tarek Fatah?
Fatah was born in Pakistan in 1949 and migrated to Canada in the early 1980s. In Canada, he worked as a political activist, journalist and television host and authored several books, including 'Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State' and 'The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism'.
Fatah, who had a huge social media following, was known for his progressive views on Islam and his fiery stance on Pakistan. He also received threats from radical forces due to his views.
Between 1960-70, Fatah was twice imprisoned by successive military rulers of Pakistan. In 1977, he was charged with sedition by General Zia-ul Haq and barred from being a journalist in the country. In 1987, he moved to Canada.
"I am an Indian born in Pakistan, a Punjabi born in Islam; an immigrant in Canada with a Muslim consciousness, grounded in a Marxist youth," Fateh mentioned in his blog about himself.
Fatah has also been a vocal critic of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, its treatment of religious minorities, and its alleged support for terrorist groups. He often expressed his support for the BJP-led Narendra Modi government in India.