Emanuel Sarfraz, a senior journalist and general secretary of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Lahore Chapter, passed away in Lahore on Jan. 13 following cardiac failure. He was 56 years old.
Sarfraz, a chronic diabetic who underwent periodic renal dialysis, is survived by his wife and two daughters.
He was a well-respected figure in Pakistan’s media industry with over three decades of experience working with prominent national and international media organizations.
A life member of the Lahore Press Club, Sarfraz also served on its governing body. His distinguished career included roles such as Editor Coordination and Magazine Editor at The Nation, Editor of Academia Magazine, and correspondent for Gulf News in Pakistan. He received the South Asia Journalism Fellowship and was selected for the Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme Fellowship at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. He was also an alumnus of the Foreign Press Center, Tokyo, and the East-West Center in Washington, D.C.
His passing has been widely condoled by his colleagues, senior journalists, and people from various fields, who recalled his remarkable contributions to journalism in Pakistan.
Sarfraz was a founding member of the Christian Journalists Association of Pakistan (CJAP), which includes journalists from print, electronic, and social media. CJAP coordinator Kashif Nawab said, “He also provided us with moral and technical support. We will miss him.”
Taking to social media, his colleagues lauded Sarfraz’s kind, supportive, and humble personality.
“We mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, our General Secretary Emanuel Sarfraz, who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he touched. As a devoted leader, a passionate and a loving person he inspired us with his unwavering dedication, his generous spirit, and his infectious enthusiasm. His legacy will continue to motivate us to strive for excellence, to stand up for what is right, and to make a positive difference in the world. We will deeply miss his wisdom, guidance, and loving presence, but we take comfort in the knowledge that his memory will live on in our hearts forever,” wrote Iram Nelson in a condolence post on Sarfraz’s Facebook wall.
Academia Magazine, where Sarfraz served as founding editor, paid tribute to him on its official Facebook page:
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Emanuel Sarfraz, the founding editor of Academia Magazine and a highly respected journalist. #EmanuelSarfraz was not just a pioneer for our publication, but also a mentor, a visionary, and a guiding force in the world of education journalism. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the mission he so passionately believed in.”
Sarfraz’s former colleagues at The Nation expressed shock and grief. Ali Tahir Mughees, a former colleague, wrote, “I had the privilege of knowing Sir Emanuel during my time at The Nation Newspaper, where he served as the editor of the weekly magazine. Hearing this heartbreaking news brought back countless memories of his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to journalism.”
Faizan Javed, another former team member, expressed his sorrow, saying, “My heart is shattered into a million pieces as I bid farewell to my mentor, my guiding light, and the person who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Your passing leaves an unfillable void, but your legacy, wisdom, and unwavering support will continue to inspire me every day. Rest in peace, dear mentor. Your impact on my life will never be forgotten.”
Prominent political commentator and columnist Fasi Zaka also shared his condolences: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Emanuel Sarfraz. What a great human being — a loss for Pakistan, the Christian community, his family, and friends. Knew him for over fifteen years; a man of impeccable integrity and kindness. A journalist of quiet fortitude. A family man of great conviction. He was truly one of a kind.”
