Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un

Acclaimed Pakistani director Hassan Askari has passed away at the age of 78 in Lahore. He was suffering from cancer and had been admitted to Shaikh Zayed Hospital.

During his career, Hassan directed more than 60 Punjabi and Urdu films, including the hits Toofan, Salakhain, Sher Dil, Talash, Dil Kisi Ka Dost Nahi, Doorian, Qanoon and Tere Pyar Mein.

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The Pride of Performance winning director was the first filmmaker to introduce the concept of the popular Punjabi hero Maula Jatt and his gandasa with his film Wehshi Jatt (1974), years before Maula Jatt was adapted on the big screen.

Speaking about Askari’s demise, Punjab Minister of Information and Culture Amir Mir expressed sorrow while acknowledging his services for the Pakistani film industry. He said Hassan Askari had directed many phenomenal films during his career and no one else in the industry could compete with him.

Secretary Information and Culture Daniyal Gillani offered condolences on the in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) writing:

“Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary film producer, director, and writer Muhammad Hassan Askari. His contributions to Urdu and Punjabi cinema, with classics like “Salakhain,” “Wahshi Jutt,” and many more, will always be remembered. His legacy will continue to inspire many in the world of cinema. Allah darjaat buland farmaye. Ameen!”

Director of the crime thriller film ‘Javed Iqbal’ Abu Aleeha expressed his sorrow on the passing of Hassan Askari on his X account.