Tributes Pour In As Pakistani-Canadian Writer Tarek Fatah Passes Away At 73

Tarek Fatah, a well-known Pakistani Canadian columnist and popular TV personality, passed away on Monday, April 24, at the age of 73 following a prolonged struggle with cancer. His daughter, Natasha Fatah, confirmed the news of his demise through a post on Twitter. Fatah, who resided in Canada, was an accomplished author.

Informing about his demise, Natasha wrote,

”Lion of Punjab.Son of Hindustan.Lover of Canada.Speaker of truth.Fighter for justice.Voice of the downtrodden, underdogs, and the oppressed. @TarekFatah has passed the baton on… his revolution will continue with all who knew and loved him. Will you join us?”

Lion of Punjab.
Son of Hindustan.
Lover of Canada.
Speaker of truth.
Fighter for justice.
Voice of the down-trodden, underdogs, and the oppressed.@TarekFatah has passed the baton on… his revolution will continue with all who knew and loved him.

Will you join us?

1949-2023 pic.twitter.com/j0wIi7cOBF

— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) April 24, 2023

 

Born on November 20, 1949, in Karachi, Pakistan, Tarek Fatah relocated to Canada in the early 1980s and established himself as a political activist, journalist, and television anchor. He 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.’ Mr. Fatah was recognized for his progressive outlook on Islam and his bold stance on Pakistan. He referred to himself as an ‘Indian born in Pakistan’ and a ‘Punjabi born into Islam.’

Soon after his death, tributes poured in on social media. One user wrote,

”Too hard to process, Tarek Fatah is gone. Rest in power, my friend, guide and family. We shall meet again! Om Shanti”

Too hard to process, Tarek Fatah is gone.

Rest in power, my friend, guide and family. We shall meet again!

Om Shanti 🌸

— Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) April 24, 2023

Actor Ranvir Shorey tweeted,

”Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest & wisest people I have known. May his noble soul rest with the Almighty in heaven. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, and his countless admirers across the world.”

Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest & wisest people I have known. May his noble soul rest with the Almighty in heaven. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, and his countless admirers across the world.…

— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) April 24, 2023

There was one and only @TarekFatah – 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. pic.twitter.com/X9VcRKtyK4

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 24, 2023

Saddened by the passing of Tarek Fatah, whom I first met in 1972. His death brings to an end half a century of rigorous debate, vehement disagreements, sharing of knowledge & ideas, and much laughter & friendship rare in an era when people do not know how combine these things. pic.twitter.com/t5nyoWsZmF

— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) April 24, 2023

Pakistan-born progressive Muslim commentator Tarek Fatah passes away after prolonged illness

You were a great human being Sir.
Rest in Peace
ॐ शांति 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BVDiEUt1VE

— Ashish Kumar (@BaapofOption) April 24, 2023

Heartiest condolences to you Natasha. A brave person. Someone who actually spoke power to truth. He was never afraid of challenging the fanatics. The world has lost a champion.

— Amrit (@AmritHallan) April 24, 2023

May the great soul rest in peace. An incredible personality, who had the courage to say a spade a spade. May he continue to live, and his memories continue to inspire each one of us. 🙏🙏

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

— Abhishek (@AbhishekSaket) April 24, 2023