12 Facts About Waris Mir

Waris Mir was a Pakistani journalist, intellectual, writer and academic known for his struggle to uphold the cause of democracy and press freedom.

Waris Mir was born on 22 November 1938, the son of Mir Abdul Aziz, who was a poet in Punjabi, Urdu and Persian.

Waris Mir was a staunch believer in the basic human rights of freedom of thought and expression.

Waris Mir received his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication in 1964 from the University of the Punjab, Lahore and joined the same department as a lecturer in 1965.

Waris Mir was appointed Chairman of the Mass Communication Department in the University of the Punjab where he taught for over 20 years while at the same time writing articles and columns in Urdu newspapers of the country.

Waris Mir wrote on national and international issues of his times.

Waris Mir was popular amongst his readers, especially during General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law.

Waris Mir died of a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 48 under mysterious circumstances.

Waris Mir was laid to rest in the Punjab University graveyard close to the New Campus Underpass which was renamed as the 'Waris Mir Underpass' by the provincial government of Punjab in 2013.

At the time of his death, Waris Mir was at the peak of his professional career as a writer.

Waris Mir's writing on Pakistan's contemporary politics, the army's meddling in politics, feminist issues, cultural reforms, religious beliefs, philosophical questions, literary references, and historical background continued to remain relevant long after his death.

Waris Mir was posthumously awarded Pakistan's highest civil award Hilal-e-Imtiaz on 23 March 2013 by the President of Pakistan in recognition of his meritorious services in the field of journalism and for furthering the cause of democracy through his writings.