Khaled Ahmed, a pioneering figure in Pakistan’s English journalism, passed away on November 17 at the age of 81 in his Zaman Park residence in Lahore. He reportedly succumbed to cardiac arrest.
Born in 1943 in Jalandhar during World War II, Khaled Ahmed became one of Pakistan’s most respected analysts, known for his sharp intellect and deep understanding of sociopolitical issues. He graduated with an MA (Honours) from Government College Lahore, where he earned the Roll of Honour. His passion for languages led him to pursue diplomas in German from Punjab University and in Russian interpretation from Moscow State University in 1970.
Ahmed’s journalism career spanned over four decades, during which he made significant contributions to English-language media in Pakistan. After a brief tenure in the Foreign Service, he transitioned fully into journalism, contributing to renowned publications such as The Pakistan Times, The Nation, The Frontier Post, The Friday Times, and Daily Times. His last role was as a consulting editor for Newsweek Pakistan.
His literary legacy is distinguished by books that offer deep insights into Pakistan’s challenges. Notable works include Sectarian War: Sunni-Shia Conflict in Pakistan, written during his fellowship at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., and titles such as Pakistan: The State in Crisis, Pakistan: Behind the Ideological Mask, Word for Word: Stories Behind Everyday Words We Use, and Pakistan’s Terror Conundrum.
Colleagues and contemporaries paid heartfelt tributes. Najam Sethi, who knew him since their college days, reminisced: “Khaled and I were pals from GC days in the sixties. Later, we worked together very closely in The Friday Times, Aajkal and Daily Times. He was one of the most learned men in the country. Soft-spoken, humble, modest and steeped in local culture, despite being a linguist, he was a source of prodigious knowledge. The saddest part is that he went unrecognised by the state.”
Talat Hussain remarked on Ahmed’s intellectual courage: “Through his work, Khaled Ahmed earned a reputation as a thoughtful and courageous voice, unafraid to challenge prevailing narratives and conventions. His passing leaves a void in Pakistan’s intellectual and journalistic landscape.”
Ejaz Haider, who worked alongside Ahmed at various publications, reflected: “Khaled Sahib and I go back to 1986, to the newly-launched The Nation. Later, in 1991, I had the opportunity to work with him on the editorial board of The Frontier Post. He was my mentor. Starting 1995, we were together again at The Friday Times and later at Daily Times, until 2009, sharing the same office which gave me the opportunity to imbibe his wisdom. He was an icon. It says something about this country that he has gone unsung. A country where people who have nothing compared to him are given honours.”
Syed Javed Nazir highlighted Ahmed’s editorial influence: “His editorial, columns and articles lent a new dimension to Pakistani English journalism. One essential hallmark of his writing was elegance in expression underpinned by a culture of detail. He was steeped in culture, both local and foreign. His training as a foreign service officer and subsequent posting in Moscow and Eastern Europe left a deep impact on his identity as an intellectual. Khaled Ahmed’s essential bonhomie won him life-long friends and strong support from those who admired his professionalism. He was a trend-setting editor but quite mercurial in disposition like most great editors are. His unique voice will continue to resonate among those who value truth.”
