PFJA Urges Shift of Z.A. Suleri’s Coffin to Mazar-e-Quaid

Plea to shift Suleri's coffin to Mazar-e-Quaid

زیڈ اے سلہری مرحوم کو قائدا اعظم کے پہلو میں دفن کیا جائے, اقبال یوسفی

زیڈ اے سلہری مرحوم کو قائدا اعظم کے پہلو میں دفن کیا جائے, فری لانس جرنلسٹس ایسوسی ایشن

LAHORE: The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has called for the relocation of the coffin of renowned journalist Z.A. Suleri to Mazar-e-Quaid-i-Azam.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, PFJA President Iqbal Yousufi highlighted Suleri’s close association with Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his lifelong contributions to Pakistan and journalism. He noted that Suleri was originally buried as a matter of trust, and emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to arrange for his burial alongside the Founder of the Nation.

Iqbal Yousufi expressed hope that the arrangements for the reburial would be finalized by August 14.

Veteran Journalist Z.A. Suleri Remembered by Leaders and Media Figures

ZA Sureli's death widely condoled

Prominent political leaders, distinguished scholars, and members of the media community expressed profound grief over the passing of veteran journalist Z.A. Suleri. Prayers were offered for the departed soul, asking Allah Almighty to grant him eternal peace and to give strength to his family in bearing this irreparable loss.

Governor Shahid Hamid, while condoling Suleri’s death, said that he rendered invaluable services in the field of journalism and earned distinction in every editorial capacity he served. He noted that Suleri’s professional dedication and commitment to responsible journalism would be remembered for a long time.

Punjab Transport Minister Irfan Ahmad Daha stated that the deceased was a devoted worker of the Muslim League. He said the party had lost a gentle, intelligent, and industrious member whose contribution would remain unforgettable.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Naib Amir Liaqat Baloch described Suleri’s passing as a national tragedy. They highlighted the vital role he played during the Pakistan Movement, his unwavering support for press freedom, and his commitment to high-quality journalism. They added that he was a patriotic Pakistani who firmly upheld Pakistan Ideology and the two-nation theory.

Chief of Markazi Jamaat Ahle Hadith Pakistan Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer said that Suleri devoted his entire life to Islam and Pakistan. He remarked that although his death closed an important chapter in national journalism, his writings would continue to guide and inspire generations.

A meeting of Majlise Karkunani Tehrik Pakistan, chaired by Akram Ali Khan, also offered condolences. Those present included Ali Muhtashim, Brig (retd) Zafar Iqbal Chaudhary, Rana Safdar Jang, Col (retd) Jamshed Ahmad Khan Tareen, Dr Iqbal Sarhindi, Ch Abdur Rasheed, and numerous others who paid tribute to Suleri’s services.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Members including Allama Anwar Zahoori, Iqbal Yousufi, Prof Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Kamal Rizvi, Naeem Qureshi, Ibrahim Tahir, Tanveer Zuberi, and Shaukat Ullah offered prayers and acknowledged his remarkable contribution to national journalism.

In a separate condolence message, Governor Shahid Hamid once again praised Suleri’s meritorious services and prayed for the departed soul.

Punjab Minister for Transport Irfan Ahmad Khan Daha and Chairman Task Force Punjab for Essential Items S.A. Hameed also expressed their grief. They emphasized that Suleri was not only a respected journalist but also an active worker of the Pakistan Movement whose service to the nation would be remembered for years to come.

The Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA), through its Chairman S.H. Hashmi, expressed heartfelt condolences. Hashmi noted that Suleri was an active participant in the Pakistan Movement and worked throughout his life for the betterment of the nation. The association prayed for the bereaved family and asked Allah to grant them courage and patience.

Z. A. Suleri Passes Away

 Z. A. Suleri Passes Away

Z. A. Suleri, one of Pakistan’s most senior journalists with a career that stretched across fifty years, passed away on Wednesday night. He was 86. He died of heart failure in a local hospital where he had been taken for treatment. He had been battling cancer and heart disease for some time.

At the time of his death, he was serving as the senior editor of The News.

Suleri often described himself as a devoted supporter of the Pakistan Movement. He worked with Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and later wrote My Leader, a book about the Founder of the Nation. The Quaid also wrote him a letter of appreciation, something Suleri valued deeply.

Before partition, he worked as assistant editor at Dawn. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, he joined The Pakistan Times as its London correspondent. He later returned home and started his own newspaper, The Times of Karachi, which soon became known for its lively political coverage. He also tried to launch Evening Time from Lahore. The paper struggled because readers in the city were used to afternoon editions.

In 1965, during the war with India, Suleri briefly served as director general of ISPR. During the Ayub era, he became editor of The Pakistan Times. He held that position until December 1971 when he was removed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He continued writing and became a widely read columnist for The Pakistan Times and Nawa i Waqt. After martial law was imposed in 1977, General Zia appointed him chief editor of The Pakistan Times. He later served as additional secretary in the information ministry for a short period.

In 1992, he joined The News as senior editor, a role he kept until his final days.

Source: Dawn
Date: April 22, 1999