Veteran Pakistani cartoonist Javed Iqbal passed away on Thursday in Lahore at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. He was widely regarded as one of the country's most influential political cartoonists, whose work graced the pages of major newspapers for over five decades.
Career and Legacy
Iqbal began his career in the 1960s and became a household name through his satirical cartoons published in daily newspapers such as Daily Jang and The News International. His sharp, incisive commentary on politics, society, and governance earned him both acclaim and controversy. According to his family, he continued working until a few months before his death, despite declining health.
His cartoons often targeted corruption, authoritarianism, and social injustices. Many of his works are preserved in archives as historical documents reflecting Pakistan's political evolution.
Reactions and Tributes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the demise, calling Iqbal a "legendary artist who used his pen to uphold democratic values." The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists also issued a statement mourning the loss and praising his contributions to journalism.
"Javed Iqbal sahib was not just a cartoonist; he was a chronicler of our times. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled," said senior journalist and friend Aslam Javed.
Personal Life and Final Journey
Iqbal is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. His funeral prayers were held at a local mosque in Lahore, attended by a large number of journalists, artists, and admirers. He was laid to rest at Miani Sahib Graveyard.
Born in 1946 in Amritsar, Iqbal migrated to Lahore after partition. He studied fine arts at the National College of Arts and later joined the newspaper industry. In 2012, he was awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan for his services in art and journalism.
