Karachi : The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi held a solemn condolence reference in memory of the esteemed literary and social luminary, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Badayuni, a senior and cherished member of the Council. The tribute took place at Haseena Moin Hall and was attended by a distinguished gathering of writers, poets, intellectuals, and admirers from various walks of life.
Notable figures who paid homage included President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah, acclaimed poetess Zehra Nigah, Dr. Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Shahida Khurshid, Nadeem Hashmi, Shabnam Nigaar, Faisal Aziz, Sultan Naqvi, Abid Mumtaz, Javed Iftikhar, Rizwan Siddiqui, Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Mehmood Ahmed Khan, Professor Syed Tipu Sultan, Professor Anees Zaidi, Farhat Saeed, and Nadeem Zafar Siddiqui, among others. The session was thoughtfully moderated by Shakeel Khan.
President Muhammad Ahmed Shah reflected, “Dr. Sultan Ahmed Badayuni was deeply connected to literary stalwarts like Zehra Apa. He belonged to a rare breed of individuals who genuinely believed in making a difference. Deceit and pretence were alien to his nature. His loss is profoundly personal to me. He was a man of joy, warmth, and unwavering commitment to the Arts Council’s mission. He was part of a global family of luminous souls, and the world feels dimmer without him.”
Zehra Nigah shared heartfelt memories, saying, “Sultan Badayuni always spoke with elegance and kindness. His voice carried affection and dignity. Though he left quietly, his legacy speaks volumes.”
Dr. Peerzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui remarked, “Sultan Badayuni embodied a life of service and generosity. A former student of both mine and my wife’s, he remained steadfast in promoting literature, language, and cultural values. His bond with the Arts Council was one of genuine love.”
Professor Syed Tipu Sultan described him as “an exceptional educator and a gentleman of refined character,” while Professor Anees Zaidi recalled, “In his final days, he often expressed feelings of solitude, yet his generosity remained boundless.”
Poetess Shahida Khurshid Kanwal said, “The Arts Council was like home to him. His presence lit up the environment. Even today, the staff mourns him deeply. He was a man of immense warmth and love.”
Writer Nadeem Hashmi shared, “I was fortunate to interact with him daily. He left this world without troubling a soul, a true gentleman.”
Political figure Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui noted, “The sincerity and warmth that define the Arts Council are largely due to individuals like Dr. Sultan.”
Rizwan Siddiqui remembered him as “a magnetic personality, someone whom even the most prominent individuals visited with respect.”
Mehmood Ahmed Khan said, “We never imagined his sudden departure. His loyalty and sincerity were unmatched.”
Nadeem Zafar Siddiqui added, “There was a rare simplicity and warmth about him. Personalities like his are becoming increasingly scarce.”
Shabnam Nigaar remembered him as “a passionate lover of literature and poetry, who regularly organized Na’at gatherings in memory of his father.”
Sultan Naqvi recalled, “There was a rare sweetness in his character. He was a dear friend and a gentle soul.”
Javed Iftikhar expressed disbelief, saying, “Had I not seen him in the ICU, I wouldn’t have believed he had left us. His memory remains etched in our hearts.”
Abid Mumtaz concluded the reference, stating, “Today, we honour Sultan Sahib—not just for his intellect, but for the lessons in friendship and loyalty that he so quietly imparted.”
ADVERTISEMENT
