🇵🇰 Veteran Sports Journalist Syed Muhammad Sufi Passes Away in Karachi

💔 Overview of the Loss

The Pakistani sports journalism community is mourning the loss of Syed Muhammad Sufi, a revered veteran sports journalist who passed away in Karachi on September 14, 2025, after a prolonged illness. He was 80 years old . Sufi was widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in Urdu sports journalism and had been a influential figure in the field for over six decades.

📰 Professional Legacy and Career Highlights

Sufi’s illustrious career spanned several major media organizations, most notably Geo News and Daily Jang, where he served as Sports Editor and was associated for over three decades . He began his career as a junior sub-editor and rose to prominence in the 1980s after being introduced to cricket writer Munir Hussain by journalist Nadir Shah Adil. This opportunity led to Sufi making his mark through distinctive writing and high-profile interviews .

Throughout his career, Sufi conducted memorable interviews with many of Pakistan’s cricketing legends, including:

• Imran Khan

• Wasim Akram

• Ramiz Raja

• Waqar Younis

• Inzamam-ul-Haq

He was counted among the senior-most members of the Karachi Press Club (KPC) and was considered a mentor to generations of journalists .

⚖️ Personal Life and Principles

Sufi was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his courageous stance during political turmoil. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s martial law in 1977, he was arrested for his opposition to the regime and spent several months in Karachi and Sahiwal jails .

He is survived by his wife, four sons, and a large circle of students and colleagues who regarded him as a mentor and guide .

🏏 Tributes from the Sports Community

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and numerous sports figures expressed their grief over Sufi’s passing. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Sufi’s death marked the “end of a golden era” in sports journalism and praised his role in promoting sports, especially cricket .

Former cricketer Shahid Afridi remembered Sufi as a “man of fine personality” who was always vocal about the betterment and promotion of the game and players. Afridi noted that Sufi had been personally supportive of him throughout his career .

Sports journalist Faizan Lakhani described Sufi’s passing as an “end of an era,” highlighting his 60 years of dedicated service to the profession and his role in guiding and mentoring generations of journalists .

🕌 Funeral Arrangements

Sufi’s funeral prayers were scheduled to be offered after Asr prayer at the Rehman Arabian Villas Mosque in Karachi . The journalism and sports communities were expected to gather in large numbers to pay their final respects to the esteemed journalist.

📊 Syed Muhammad Sufi’s Career and Legacy

Table: Key aspects of Syed Muhammad Sufi’s life and career

🌟 Honours and Recognition

During his lifetime, Sufi received several accolades for his contributions to sports journalism. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Akhbar-e-Jahan and received shields from the Karachi Press Club and Sports Journalists Association of Sindh . In 2025, the Karachi Press Club organized a special reception where glowing tributes were paid to his service in the field of sports journalism .

📝 Conclusion

Syed Muhammad Sufi’s passing represents a significant loss for Pakistani sports journalism. His six decades of dedicated service, mentorship of countless journalists, and unwavering commitment to sports reporting established him as an iconic figure in his field. His legacy will continue through the many journalists he trained and the substantial body of work he leaves behind, which will remain a valuable resource for future generations of sports enthusiasts and journalists alike.