Tarek Fatah: The journalist who identified as one of Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children

Eminent thinker, author and commentator

Pakistani-Canadian journalist Tarek Fatah, born in Karachi in 1949, known for critiquing Islamic extremism and the Pakistani establishment, and advocating for queer rights, has passed away at 73 from cancer. Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Punjabi born in Islam

Tarek Fatah, a Pakistani-Canadian journalist, referred to himself as ‘an Indian born in Pakistan and a Punjabi born in Islam.’ He once stated, "I am an immigrant in Canada with a Muslim consciousness grounded in a Marxist youth. I am one of Salman Rushdie’s many Midnight’s Children." Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Karachi to Canada

Born on November 20, 1949, in Karachi, Pakistan, Tarek Fatah later migrated to Canada in the early 1980s, where he became a prominent figure in Canadian media and politics, known for his active voice and participation. Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Critic of Pakistan

Fatah fervently supported LGBT rights, championed the separation of religion and state, and vocally opposed Sharia law, advocating for a modern, progressive form of Islam. He was also known for his outspoken criticism of the Pakistani religious and political establishment. Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Work on Islam and human rights

Fatah advocated for a liberal, progressive interpretation of Islam that promotes peace, tolerance, and human rights. Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Prolific writer and commentator

Fatah was a prolific writer and commentator, contributing to various media outlets and authoring books that explored his perspectives on Islam, politics, and society. Credit: Natasha Fatah (Twitter)

Provocative perspectives

Tarek Fatah's controversial views sparked discussions on Islam, Human Rights, and Social Justice. Credit: Tarek Fatah (Twitter)

Books by Fatah

The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling | Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State | Islamic Rajya ka Bhram | Islam ki Buniyaad Credit: Tarek Fatah (Twitter)

Fatah in politics

Fatah's political affiliations have included the Liberal Party of Canada and Ontario New Democratic Party. Fatah received awards from prestigious organizations and frequently commented on Canadian, Indian, and international media. Credit: Tarek Fatah