Dr. Muhammad Riaz Chaudhry has passed away

LAHORE: Dr. Muhammad Riaz Chaudhry, a long-time resident of Saudi Arabia, has passed away.

On his death, various political, social, literary and journalistic personalities and organizations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and around the world have expressed deep sorrow and grief.

Dr. Riaz Chaudhry dedicated his life to the service of literature. He originally belonged to Jhelum, did his MA and LLB from Punjab University and obtained his PhD degree from the United States. After completing his education, he took a job in the Punjab Assembly and later moved to Saudi Arabia where he was posted in the Institute of Public Administration, King Abdul Aziz Library and King Fahd Library. In Saudi Arabia, he was considered a prominent figure in the Pakistani community.

He also served as a member of the Management Committee of Pakistan International School Riyadh. For the past 42 years, he has been associated with the well-known and active organization of poets and writers in Saudi Arabia, the International Circle of Thought and Art, and as the Chairman of the Circle of Thought and Art, he has rendered invaluable services for the promotion of literature. Organizing poetry recitals and promoting Urdu literature were his specialties. Two of his poetry collections and other books were also published, including two professional books launched by the Saudi government.

He also had a unique position between the Embassy of Pakistan and the community. He was also a member of the well-known social organization Majlis-e-Pakistan in Saudi Arabia.

For the past few years, he had been living in the United States, where he organized several events organized by the International Circle of Thought and Art. Despite living in the United States, he continued to visit Saudi Arabia and organizing literary gatherings as soon as he reached Riyadh was his top priority.

He not only served literature with his pen, but also financially supported literary activities, in addition to which he was also at the forefront of social and welfare work.

He had come to Saudi Arabia from America two weeks ago and was staying with his son. Yesterday, he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away. The funeral prayers of the deceased will be offered in Riyadh on Wednesday and he will be buried in a local cemetery.