Progressive scholar Rahat Saeed passes away

A renowned progressive intellectual and leading figure of the Progressive Writers’ Association, Comrade Rahat Saeed, has passed away in Karachi. He was 83.

He had been under treatment for cancer at Ziauddin Hospital for the past few days. His funeral prayers were offered at Yasrab Imambargah, and he was laid to rest in a graveyard in PECHS.

He was one of the founders of the Irtiqa Institute of Social Sciences.

In a statement, the Irtiqa Institute expressed its deepest sorrow over the passing of Rahat Saeed, saying his loss has created a profound void that will be difficult to fill for a long time to come. Individuals like Rahat Saeed leave an indelible mark on history, and his contributions to the country’s progressive, trade union, and intellectual struggles will forever be remembered.

“With his knowledge, intellect, and unyielding spirit, he spearheaded the Anjuman Progressive Writers movement, and his tireless efforts were pivotal in founding intellectually critical think-tanks such as the Irtiqa Institute.’’

The Urban Peoples Front and its affiliated organisations, including the National Trade Union Federation of Pakistan, Home-Based Women Workers Federation, Peasants' Rights Movement, and the Alternate Labour Class, paid their respects and saluted the life and struggle of Comrade Rahat Saeed.