Pakistani-Canadian author, columnist, and media personality Tarek Fatah passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 73 following a long battle with cancer. The sad news was shared on Twitter by his daughter, journalist Natasha Fatah. He was a vocal critic of radical Islam and an advocate for liberal and secular values, which often put him at odds with conservative Muslim groups.
Fatah was born in Pakistan in 1949 and migrated to Canada in 1987, where he became a citizen and worked as a journalist and political commentator. He was the founder of the Muslim Canadian Congress and authored several books, including “Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State” and “The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths That Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism.”
Fatah had a close relationship with India, and was a frequent commentator on Indian news channels. He was an advocate for the rights of the minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Pakistan and was vocal about the need for India to take a tougher stance against Pakistan in response to its support of terrorist organizations.
Fatah was also a supporter of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He praised Modi’s policies towards Pakistan and his efforts to strengthen ties between India and Israel.
Fatah’s views often generated controversy, and he faced criticism from both conservative Muslim groups and liberal activists. He was banned from entering Pakistan in 2016, and his events in Canada and the United States were frequently met with protests and calls for his de-platforming.
Despite his controversial views, Fatah was respected by many for his passionate advocacy of liberal and secular values, and his tireless efforts to promote peace and harmony between different communities.
Fatah’s passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from his supporters and admirers. Many have praised him for his contributions to the debate on Islamic extremism and his unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights.
