Tarek Fatah, ‘Indian born in Pakistan’, was a vocal critic of Islamic fundamentalism

By India Today News Desk: “Indian born in Pakistan” and “Punjabi born into Islam” is how he described himself. Tarek Fatah was well-known for his excessive criticism of Islamic fundamentalism and the Pakistan authorities’s insurance coverage insurance policies.

The columnist who was primarily based in Canada died on Monday after a long-drawn battle with most cancers, his daughter, Natasha Fatah, confirmed. He was 73.

Tarek Fatah is believed for his views on Islam, secularism, and liberal democracy, and has been a vocal critic of Islamist extremism and terrorism. He has been a controversial decide, with some accusing him of Islamophobia and others praising him for his advocacy of liberal and secular values.

He usually expressed his help for the BJP-led NDA authorities in India.

“Lion of Punjab. Son of Hindustan. Lover of Canada. Speaker of truth. Fighter for justice. Voice of the down-trodden, underdogs, and the oppressed. Tarek Fatah has handed the baton on… his revolution will proceed with all who knew and cherished him. Will you be part of us? 1949-2023,” Natasha tweeted.

Lion of Punjab.
Son of Hindustan.
Lover of Canada.
Speaker of truth.
Fighter for justice.
Voice of the down-trodden, underdogs, and the oppressed.@TarekFatah has handed the baton onâ€æ his revolution will proceed with all who knew and cherished him.

Will you be part of us?

1949-2023 pic.twitter.com/j0wIi7cOBF
— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) April 24, 2023

Tarek Fatah was born in Karachi in a Punjabi Muslim family in 1949. His family had migrated to Karachi from Mumbai (then Bombay) after the Partition.

He entered the sphere of journalism as a reporter for the Karachi Sun in 1970, in response to a media report. He was charged with sedition in 1977, and barred from practising journalism by the Zia-ul Haq regime, the report talked about.

Tarek Fatah shifted to Canada in 1987.

TAREK FATAH CRITICISED PAKISTAN’S BLASPHEMY LAWS

Fatah was recognized for his important views of the Pakistan authorities and its insurance coverage insurance policies. He has been a vocal critic of Pakistan’s blasphemy authorized tips, its remedy of religious minorities, and its help for terrorist groups.

Fatah has written quite a lot of books, along with ‘Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State’ and ‘The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism’.

Tarek Fatah labored as a journalist and has hosted television functions on quite a few Canadian networks.

Tributes poured in on Monday after his daughter confirmed his demise.

“I am an Indian born in Pakistan, a Punjabi born in Islam; an immigrant in Canada with a Muslim consciousness, grounded in a Marxist youth. I am one of Salman Rushdie’s many Midnight’s children.” This is how Tarek Fatah would describe himself. This is how he’ll possible be remembered.