Riyadh — A luminous chapter of knowledge and literature has come to a close forever. Dr. Muhammad Riaz Chaudhry, a beloved literary and social personality who had long been residing in Saudi Arabia, has passed away. His death has been widely mourned by political, social, literary, and journalistic figures and organizations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and around the world.
Dr. Riaz Chaudhry dedicated his life to the service of literature. He originally hailed from Jhelum. He obtained his MA and LLB from the University of the Punjab and later earned a PhD from the United States. After completing his education, he began his career in the Punjab Assembly and later moved to Saudi Arabia, where he served at the Institute of Public Administration, King Abdulaziz Library, and King Fahd Library. In Saudi Arabia, he was regarded as a prominent figure within the Pakistani community.
He also served as a member of the management committee of Pakistan International School Riyadh. For the past 42 years, he remained actively associated with the well-known literary organization Aalmi Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Fun, where he served as Chairman and rendered valuable services for the promotion of literature. Organizing mushairas and promoting Urdu literature were his hallmarks. He authored multiple books, including two poetry collections, and also published professional works supported by the Saudi government.
He held a unique position between the Embassy of Pakistan and the community. He was also a member of Majlis-e-Pakistan, a prominent social organization in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, he had been residing in the United States, where he organized numerous literary events under the banner of Aalmi Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Fun. Despite living in the U.S., he frequently visited Saudi Arabia, and upon arriving in Riyadh, hosting literary gatherings remained his top priority.
He not only served literature through his writings but also financially supported literary activities. Additionally, he was actively involved in social welfare and community service.
Two weeks ago, he had arrived in Saudi Arabia from the United States and was staying with his son. He passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest yesterday. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.
His funeral prayer will be offered on Wednesday in Riyadh, and he will be laid to rest in a local cemetery.
