RIYADH — Pakistan Writers Cub (PWC) and members of its ladies chapter hosted a condolence sitting mourning Fatima Surraiya Bajia, popularly known as Bajia, who passed away in Karachi, Pakistan on Feb. 10. She was popular and well recognized lady of Pakistan and was an impeccable writer, novelist, playwright and a popular TV drama writer and producer. For her works she received numerous awards both at home and abroad including the highest civil award from Japan. Her passing away saddened many of her fans and followers. PWC held the meeting to pay her rich tributes. Each one of them expressed their opinion about her personality and works. Abdul Rauf Mughal lauded Bajia and remarked that with her death a huge vacuum has been created in country's literary circles, which would be difficult to be filled. "She supported a series of projects for the betterment of the poor," Rauf added. Almas Mumtaz mentioned that Bajia will be dearly missed. "She was a woman with immense talent, an inspirational personality and a great icon of Pakistan," Almas said. Ambreen Faiz Ahmad in her remark mentioned that Bajia's contribution in PTV drama alone shall be enough to remember her for generations to come. "She was a great source of inspiration for young women writers and she was equally respected across both sides of the divide — that is she had a large numbers of fans-n-following in India as well," Ambreen remarked. Ashiq Hussain in an emotionally charged voice remarked that with her passing away Pakistan has lost a great woman and another Bajia would hardly be reborn. Asma Tariq paid rich tributes to her for her contributions in the fields of drama and literature. "She did not attend any formal schooling yet she was far better than many of her contemporaries," Asma added. Aymen Zaheer remarked that Bajia was a prominent Urdu novelist and drama writer who made a key influence to the growth of contemporary drama in Pakistan. "She will be long remembered,"Aymen added. Dr. Rabia Amer paying glowing tributes to Bajia, mentioned that her journey to the pinnacle of her career was not easy. "She had to work very hard to earn what she was able to do in her lifetime,"Rabia said. Ehsan Abbasi remarked that Bajia's entry into the PTV fold was accidental where she landed and changed everything for the better. "PTV's drama shot into prominence via her epic family dramas namely Ana, Shama, Agahi, Afshan, etc., which made her famous," Ehsan added. Faiz Al-Najdi mentioned that very few women in the subcontinent have made as much mark in the society as Bajia did. "Her works were par excellence and she will be missed a lot. She will be more missed for her friendly and affectionate demeanor," Najdi remarked. Farah Ehsan spoke very high of Bajia and added that her name made us feel proud of being a Pakistani. "She had a warm and friendly personality and one enjoyed her company," Farah added. Madiha Malik expressed that Bajia was a lady with exceptional skills and energy and excelled in her professional career. "She also was a guardian for her siblings and took wonderful care of all of them," Malik added. Madiha Noman remarked that death of Bajia was indeed a huge loss. "She was an institution in her own right and there is hardly anyone around who could replace her," Noman added. Qundeel Aymen called Bajia "as one of the ground-breaking playwriters of PTV. She was a source of motivation for many, not just for her effort as a writer, but also because she headed the process for other women to come into the turf of drama." Shaheen Javed praised Bajia and mentioned that she was a great and precious gem of Urdu language. "Her death is a big loss for the whole community and for Urdu lovers," Shaheen said. Shumaila Zupash Malik mentioned a quote to pay tribute to Bajia, "Grief is a price we pay for love" — Queen Elizabeth II. Shumaila added that the literary and cultural circles of Karachi found the resilient Bajia active through the periods of democracies and dictatorship. "She was a great soul and was never deterred by obstacles and irritants in her life. Her achievements are exemplary and she stands tall among her contemporaries," Shumaila remarked.
