The Canada-based writer passed away after a battle with cancer.
Pakistan-born noted Canadian columnist and renowned television personality Tarek Fatah passed away on Monday, April 24 at the age of 73. The Canada-based writer passed away after a long battle with cancer. His daughter Natasha Fatah confirmed the news of his death in a Twitter post.
He wrote, “Lion of Punjab. Son of Hindustan. Canadian lover. Truth speaker. Fighter for justice. The voice of the downtrodden, the downtrodden and the oppressed. @TarekFatah has passed the baton…his revolution will continue with all who knew & loved him. will you join us?”
Here’s the tweet:
Lion of Punjab.
Son of Hindustan.
Canadian lover.
Truth speaker.
Fighter for justice.
The voice of the downtrodden, the downtrodden and the oppressed.@TarekFatah Baton on kar diya hai… His revolution will continue with all those who knew and loved him.will you join us?
1949-2023 pic.twitter.com/j0wIi7cOBF
— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) April 24, 2023
Tarek Fatah was born on November 20, 1949 in Karachi, Pakistan. He moved to Canada in the early 1980s and worked as a political activist, journalist and television host. He also wrote 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 known for his progressive views on Islam and hardline stance on Pakistan. He called himself an ‘Indian born in Pakistan’ and a ‘Punjabi born in Islam’.
Soon after his death, social media was flooded with tributes. One user wrote, ‘It is very difficult to process, Tarek Fatah is gone. Rest in strength, my friends, guides and family. We will meet again! Calmness”
Actor Ranvir Shorey commented, “Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest and wisest people I know. May his noble soul rest in heaven with the Almighty. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family and his countless fans around the world.
Here are some more tweets:
was the same @TarekFatah Courageous, witty, knowledgeable, sharp thinker, great orator and a fearless fighter.
It’s a pleasure to have you as a close friend, Tarek, my brother.
Will you be able to rest in peace?
Calmness. pic.twitter.com/X9VcRKtyK4— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 24, 2023
Too hard to process, Tarek Fatah is gone.
Rest in strength, my friends, guides and family. We will meet again!
Om Shanti 🌸
— Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish) April 24, 2023
Saddened by the passing away of Tariq Fatah whom I first met in 1972. His death brought an end to half a century of fierce debate, vigorous disagreement, the sharing of knowledge and ideas, and rare laughter and friendship in an era when people did not do the same. Know how to mix these things. pic.twitter.com/t5nyoWsZmF
— Hussain Haqqani (@hussainhaqqani) April 24, 2023
Pakistan-born progressive Muslim commentator Tarek Fatah passed away after prolonged illness
You were a great man sir.
rest in peace
Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BVDiEUt1VE— Ashish Kumar (@BaapofOption) April 24, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to you Natasha. a brave person Someone who really gives power to truth. He was never afraid to challenge the orthodoxy. 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 call a spade a spade. May he live on and may his memory continue to inspire each one of us.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
— Abhishek (@AbhishekSaket) April 24, 2023