KARACHI, Aug 10: Well-known writer, poet, journalist and television anchor Shamsherul Haidri died at a hospital from complications arising out of cancer here on Friday morning. He was 80.

He leaves behind five sons and three daughters besides scores of followers and enthusiasts of Sindhi literature to mourn his death.

He will be buried in his hometown, Kadhan, in Badin district.

Born in Kadhan on Sept 15, 1932, Mr Haidri wrote many books. He worked for 12 years for the Sindhi Adabi Board.

Subsequently, he became editor of a literary magazine. He also edited a Sindhi newspaper.

Mr Haidri became a household name in Sindh when he began hosting Pakistan Television’s talk show ‘Ras Rehan’ in 1970s.

During his four-decade association with PTV he wrote many drama scripts.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Senior Education and Literacy Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, Culture Minister Sassui Palijo and Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon were among those who expressed grief over the passing away of Mr Haidri.

The coordination committee of Muttahida Qaumi Movement paid rich tribute to Mr Haidri for his contribution towards promotion of Sindhi literature.—PPI