Renowned Sindhi revolutionary poet Dr. Aakash Ansari tragically passed away in a mysterious fire at his residence in Citizen Colony, Hyderabad, in the early hours of Saturday. His body was shifted to Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences for a postmortem. The sudden and unexplained circumstances surrounding his death have sparked debate on social media, with calls for a thorough investigation. Hyderabad SSP Farrukh Lanjar has announced an official probe into the incident.
Dr. Ansari was born on December 25, 1956, near Badin. After completing his early education, he earned his MBBS degree from Liaquat Medical University in 1984. He was deeply involved in political activism and was associated with Rasool Bux Palijo-led Awami Tehreek. His revolutionary poetry, recited at political rallies during General Ziaul Haq’s military rule, led to multiple imprisonments. He also contested the 1988 general elections for a National Assembly seat from Badin but was unsuccessful. Over the years, he collaborated with key political figures, including Mohammad Fazil Rahu, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, and Ajmal Khattak.
His poetry remains a cherished part of Sindhi literature, with two widely acclaimed books that have been reprinted multiple times. His verses were performed by legendary singers such as Abida Parveen, Ustad Mohammad Yousaf, and Ustad Sadiq Fakir. Dr. Sehar Gul Bhatti translated his famous poems into English under the title An Elegy for Brave Hearts of Tomorrow, which received widespread recognition.
Apart from literature, Dr. Ansari contributed to journalism, co-founding the Hyderabad-based daily newspaper Sawaal in 1995 with fellow poet Hassan Dars. He also played a crucial role in social work, establishing an NGO focused on the development of Sindh’s coastal communities. His efforts led to various welfare projects benefiting fishermen and underprivileged residents, a mission he continued until his last breath.
The news of his sudden demise has left the literary and political communities in mourning. Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah called it a “heartbreaking loss” and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah also expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing Dr. Ansari’s contributions to Sindhi poetry and culture.
Thousands of poets, journalists, politicians, and citizens took to social media to pay tribute and demand a transparent inquiry into his death.
Dr. Aakash Ansari’s funeral will take place at Shaikh Umar graveyard on the outskirts of Badin town.