Famed columnist, poet Munnu Bhai passes away

LAHORE: Renowned columnist and poet Munir Ahmed Qureshi, more commonly known as Munnu Bhai, passed away here on Friday, family sources confirmed to Geo News. He was 84 years old.

The senior journalist was suffering from kidney and cardiac problems for quite some time, and was also going through routine dialysis treatment.

Munno Bhai was born in Wazirabad on February 6, 1933. He was affiliated with journalism for more than 25 years. He also wrote dramas for Pakistan Television, his most famous being 'Sohna Chandni' which will always be remembered by his fans.

In 2007, he was given Pride of Performance award by the state of Pakistan.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his condolence following the news of Munno Bhai's death.

"So sad to hear Munnu Bhai has passed away. Pakistan loses another progressive voice of integrity & sanity," he tweeted. 

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief at the literary figure's death, saying that the deceased was a shining star of literature and journalism.

Munno Bhai rendered invaluable services to the nation with his contributions to poetry, literature, journalism, drama and philanthropy, said the PML-N chief, adding that the late poet raised his voice for important social, political and economic issues. 

Besides his literary work, he also dedicated his entire life to assisting in the treatment of children suffering from blood diseases, Nawaz added.