…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Tarek Fatah, a Canadian-Pakistani journalist and author, has been widely recognized for his support of LGBT rights, separation of church and state, opposition to Sharia rule, and modern interpretation of Islam.
Fatah has been an outspoken critic of the Pakistani political and religious establishment and has questioned the division of India.
Unfortunately, false reports of his passing began circulating on social media, leading to a flood of tributes.
False Reports of Tarek Fatah’s Death
Natasha Fatah, Tarek’s daughter, tweeted a message that was misinterpreted as news of her father’s passing.
Many individuals began to honor Fatah on social media, which quickly trended on Twitter.
However, it was later revealed that the reports of Fatah’s death were completely untrue.
The Jaipur Dialogue, a program that frequently invites Fatah to speak, refuted the information.
Tarek Fatah’s Career and Controversies
Fatah was born in Karachi after his family moved from Bombay following India’s division in 1947.
After earning a degree in biochemistry from the University of Karachi, he began his career as a reporter and later an investigative journalist.
He has been imprisoned twice by military governments for leading communist student movements in the 1960s and 1970s.
Fatah is known for his incisive remarks and has received death threats for his criticism of Pakistan and Islamic fanaticism.
In February of this year, he tweeted that beheading plans had been made against him.
A Muslim group had also offered a bounty for his execution.
Tributes and Respect on Social Media
Although the reports of Fatah’s death were false, many individuals paid their respects to him on social media.
Some users expressed their admiration and love for Fatah, while others criticized him.
Despite the controversies surrounding Fatah, his career has been recognized for its significant contributions to journalism and activism.