Before the daybreak today I had to wake up to receive a heart breaking call from Meraj Muhammad Khan. He informed me that Burna Bhai is no longer in this world and that he was leaving for Rawalpindi to be with Minhaj Burna for the last time.
Then came a message on my cell phone "Burna Sahib is no more". How could be it possible? I am alive, hundreds and thousands of working journalists and press workers are upholding the cause of press freedom and better working condition. The cause for which Minhaj Burna stood and lived for. He was a symbol of commitment, courage and dedication. No intimidation or temptation could force or entice him to compromise.
He was the fortunate person whose worth was recognised by friends and foes alike. Once to punish him national Press Trust's management transferred him to the then East Pakistan, where anti-West Pakistan sentiments were at their peak. What our community did? They rallied behind Burna and got him elected as Secretary General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists on East Pakistan quota!
He was acknowledged on international level. It was demonstrated when the organisation of reporters elected Minhaj Burna as its Secretary. His integrity was beyond doubt. After he was sacked from NPT service, he started working as a freelance journalist. His wife, our Maryam Bhabhi fell seriously ill - perhaps because of bone cancer - treatment of which was only available in Europe or United States. Some friends tried and convinced MD APP to appoint Minhaj Burna and post him in London to facilitate Bhabhi's treatment. It could have been done silently, but Burna could not do that. He brought the matter before the PFUJ's Federal Executive Committee. Members of the committee belonging to APP strongly opposed it, as foreign posting was the right of the senior journalists belonging to APP. After thorough discussion it was unanimously decided to allow Minhaj Burna to accept this offer.
He was a practising democrat. He never tried to impose his will instead he tried to convince colleagues and carry them along. Mostly he succeeded, when he didn't he followed the majority decision. He stood firm for his ideal and principles. He was a human being and must have some weaknesses. But during my long association I never found his any weakness having any negative impact on the cause of struggle for the freedom of the press and betterment of the journalists and press workers' working condition.