LAHORE: (Friday, October 16, 2026): A launching ceremony for Shahid Siddiqui’s book “Irfan Bhai Aur Main” was held at the Literary Festival 2026, organized as part of the University of the Punjab Book Fair at Al-Razi Hall here on Friday. The event was attended by Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Mahmood Saleem, senior journalists Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami and Sohail Warraich, author Shahid Siddiqui, Chairperson Department of Film and Broadcasting Prof Dr. Lubna Zaheer, faculty members, and students. Addressing the gathering, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that intellectual, columnist, and Senator Irfan Siddiqui was a person who based his arguments on reason and remained steadfast in his principled positions. He said Irfan Siddiqui’s views and counsel on important issues, including constitutional supremacy, democratic authority, and national security, had been valuable. He added that he had always listened attentively to Irfan Siddiqui’s writings, parliamentary speeches, and television programmes, in which he presented his views on complex national issues. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Irfan Siddiqui’s columns had helped him understand aspects of current affairs that often remained hidden. He also appreciated Siddiqui’s advice and role in matters concerning Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan and national security. PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said promoting literary activities was essential for character-building among young people. He recalled that Irfan Siddiqui had greatly encouraged him after he became Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab. He added that Irfan Siddiqui would continue to live in the hearts of readers through his outstanding literary works. In their speeches, Sohail Warraich, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Shahid Siddiqui, and Dr. Lubna Zaheer highlighted Irfan Siddiqui’s literary contributions. The speakers observed that it would take time to fill the void left in the literary world by Irfan Siddiqui’s passing. They also appreciated Shahid Siddiqui’s efforts in compiling the book. They explained that the book consists of two parts. The first recounts Shahid Siddiqui’s memories of Irfan Siddiqui and traces his personal and intellectual journey, while the second contains a selection of Irfan Siddiqui’s writings. The speakers emphasized that the book should be available in the libraries of various educational institutions so that younger generations could learn that, despite limited resources, hard work and perseverance can enable a person to achieve distinction and success.