Veteran playwright Shoaib Hashmi passes away

LAHORE: Veteran playwright, actor and academic Shoaib Hashmi passed away ater a protracted illness in Lahore on Monday.

Adeel Hashmi confirmed the news of his father’s death. Hashmi had not been well for a long time.

Hashmi obtained Master’s of Arts degree from the Government College, Lahore (now university) and economics degree from the London School of Economics (LSE). He also obtained a theatre degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.

He was a teacher at the Government College for many years and was an inspiration for his students.

Besides, he wrote and acted in several plays for the PTV in the 70s. His well-known plays include “Akkar Bakkar,” “Sach Gupp” and “Taal Matol.”

Hashmi also wrote a column “Taal Matol” for a local publication and had a wide readership. He was honoured with awards by the government.

His wife Salima Hashmi is the daughter of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. They have two children, Adeel Hashmi and Mira Hashmi.

His funeral prayers were not announced yet, as his daughter is currently out of country.

Hashmi made a huge name for himself with shows like “Taal Matol,” “Akkar Bakkar,” and “Such Gap.”

He leaves behind his wife, renowned artist Salima Hashmi, and children Adeel and Mira Hashmi.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed grief over the demise of the prominent teacher, playwright, comedian and poet.

He sympathised with Moneeza Hashmi, Saleema Hashmi and other members of the family.

The prime minister said Hashmi had made a remarkable contribution to the golden era of Pakistan Television and also introduced new dynamics in comedy programmes.

Hashmi also wrote historic and unforgetable plays that highlighted great values, traditions and ideologies.

Shahbaz said writers and intellectuals like Shoaib Hashmi had taught manners and ethics to society. His death is a huge loss to the society, art and literature, he added.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the renowned intellectual, teacher, dramatist and son-in-law of poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

In her condolence message, the minister paid tributes to Hashmi, saying he was the creator of PTV’S early programmes.

The services of Hashmi for the showbiz industry, as well as the teaching profession, will always be remembered, she remarked.