New Delhi: Pakistani-origin author and activist Tarek Fatah passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness at the age of 73. His daughter Natasha Fatah announced his passing on Twitter, describing him as the "Lion of Punjab. Son of Hindustan. Lover of Canada. Speaker of truth. Fighter for justice. Voice of the downtrodden, underdogs, and the oppressed."
Fatah was known for his "progressive" views on Islam and terrorism, often taking a fiery stance on Pakistan and expressing his support for the BJP-led NDA government in India. Born in Pakistan in 1949, he migrated to Canada in the early 1980s, where he worked as a political activist, journalist, and television host.
Throughout his career, Fatah was a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, particularly for marginalized and oppressed communities. He used his platform to shed light on issues such as religious extremism, sectarianism, and terrorism, and challenged the conventional narratives surrounding these topics.
One of Fatah's most notable works was his book "Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State," in which he argued against the creation of a Muslim homeland in South Asia and criticized the concept of an Islamic state. He also authored "The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism," a book that explored the root causes of anti-Semitism within the Muslim world.
Shortly after his death, tributes poured in on social media. Actor Ranvir Shorey commented, "Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest & wisest people I have known. May his noble soul rest with the Almighty in heaven. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, and his countless admirers across the world."
