Pakistani writer and journalist Amin Mughal passes away in the UK

Pakistani writer, critic, and journalist Amin Mughal has passed away at the age of 91 in the UK, where he lived in exile following his political activities and imprisonment during the era of General Zia-ul-Haq.

Life and Education

Born in the Punjab region of Pakistan, Amin Mughal grew up in the area where his family settled after the partition. He completed his education at Government College University Lahore.

Showing an interest in literature from an early age, Mughal also contributed to the field of education by teaching English language and literature at academia for many years.

Political Struggle and Exile

Having been expelled from his college in Lahore due to his trade union activities, the writer co-founded Shah Husain College with his friends. Under the regime of General Zia-ul-Haq, he was imprisoned in the torture cells of the Lahore Fort.

Following political pressures and prison sentences, Amin Mughal went to the UK in 1984, spending the rest of his life there in exile.

Journalism and Media Work

Working as a commentator and journalist for the BBC World Service Urdu service in the UK, Mughal also assumed the editorship of the London-published newspaper Awāz.

He further continued his journalistic career by writing for prominent media outlets such as Viewpoint and Daily Jang, based in Lahore and London.

Cultural Heritage and Social Work

Standing at the forefront of the movement for the recognition of the Punjabi language, the writer authored works on classical Sufi poets and translated poems by contemporary poets into English.

He carried out voluntary social work for twenty years at the Royal Free Hospital in London and worked as a freelance translator for local authorities and the NHS.