ISLAMABAD:Political leaders, parliamentarians, journalists and intellectuals remembered Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a distinguished columnist, poet and parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate, at a condolence reference held on Tuesday to mark his first death anniversary.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani presided over the event, while Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam attended as the chief guest.

President of the Pakistan Muslim League (Zia), Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Senator Shahadat Awan, former provincial minister Dr. Jamal Nasir, journalists, intellectuals, family members of Senator Siddiqui, friends and a large number of people from different walks of life also attended the gathering.

Addressing the reference, Senate Chairman said he had come to pay tribute to his friend, Irfan Siddiqui. Senator Siddiqui remained steadfast in his beliefs and ideology while maintaining courtesy, politeness and good manners in his conversations, describing these qualities as particularly admirable, he said.

Gillani said Siddiqui was among the country's 10 best parliamentarians. His greatest qualities, were tolerance and a calm temperament-the virtues that are more needed today than ever before. He expressed hope that Siddiqui's children would carry forward his mission.

Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam said he used to read Siddiqui's columns in newspapers even before starting his political career and later on they became friends. Describing him as an exceptionally talented individual, the Minister said Siddiqui had distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, an accomplished columnist, and a successful politician.

He said Siddiqui had provided him with considerable guidance, encouragement and support throughout his political journey. He also praised his exemplary contributions as Minister for National Heritage and Culture.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Senator Shahadat Awan said every student of Siddiqui would claim to have enjoyed a particularly close relationship with him, reflecting the affection and warmth he extended to his pupils. He said Siddiqui was not only an accomplished writer but had also left a distinctive mark on politics. The Senate lost a great personality, he said.

Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, president of the Pakistan Muslim League (Zia), said he had known Siddiqui for 38 years and that it was difficult to find someone as intelligent and accomplished a writer as him. He also acknowledged Siddiqui's significant contributions to education.

Former provincial minister Dr Jamal Nasir said his relationship with Siddiqui was that of a devoted disciple and spiritual mentor, adding that he had learned a great deal from him.

Imran Khawar Siddiqui, son of the late senator and adviser to the Punjab chief minister, thanked Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani for his support in organising the condolence reference. He said Irfan Siddiqui had attained distinction in every field he pursued. A much-loved teacher, he remained deeply attached to his students and maintained close relationships with them until his final days.Even after entering politics, he continued to uphold his traditions of patience, tolerance, composure and civility, he said.

Imran Siddiqui added that his father shared a friendly relationship with all his children. Despite authoring 16 books, he never allowed his literary commitments to affect his family life or social relationships. He also announced that a website had been established in his father's name, which would feature his literary works, interviews and speeches.

Senior journalist Hafiz Tahir Khalil paid tribute to the late senator and proposed the establishment of a parliamentary award in his name.

Dr Farooq Adil said Siddiqui was a man of dignity, tolerance and forbearance who had set an example of excellence in teaching, column writing and politics.

Renowned poet Rehman Faris conducted the proceedings, while Hafiz Naseem Khalil recited verses from the Holy Quran and Agha Nizam Khilji presented a Naat .

The gathering concluded with a collective prayer for the elevation of Senator Irfan Siddiqui's spiritual ranks, led by Pir Agha Sarkar, a prominent spiritual figure from the Potohar region.