Pakistani intellectual circles mourned the death of Dr. Enver Sajjad, an internationally known playwright and actor, who died in privation due to illness financial troubles and gross neglect on part of both the state and the society.
Sajjad, a medical doctor who chose to follow creative arts, was often hailed as one of a kind for a variety of talents he had been endowed with. But after a long successful career as playwright, actor and thought leader, Sajjad fell on hard times as age and illness caught on.
His financial woes mounted when National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) suspended his salary last year, considering him of no service to the academy.
It was a pity that man of his intellectual caliber had seek governmental help to stay alive but his request was turned down. That seemed a familiar fate for many Pakistani artists. Only after some media outlets roused the conscience of the powers that be that the governments came to his rescue.
But the emotional damage had been done.
It clearly tells us that as a nation, society and state we have failed to take care of our artists.
Now Sajjad’s death comes has highlighted the state and societal neglect of talent, particularly writers, poets, artists and journalists, who spend their time serving the society but end up having nothing in savings for their old age.
Sajjad’s great works including Chauraha, Janam Roop, Khushiyon Ka Baagh and Neeli Notebook and TV plays including Picnic, Raat ka Pichla Pehar, Koyal and Yeh Zameen Meri Hai. will live on.
His death leaves a big question for all of us: When will we learn to honor our artists and writers?
