In a compelling and introspective session at the Islamabad Literature Festival, renowned journalist Hamid Mir offered a glimpse into the various life incidents that have stripped him of the fear of death. Speaking candidly, he recounted experiences that have shaped his perspective and instilled a profound sense of resilience.
Mir began by recalling a harrowing incident in which he was shot, emphasizing the stark contrast between cinematic portrayals of being shot and the brutal reality. He stated, “In movies, the scenes of getting shot are different than real life. In reality, when you are shot, it takes a little time, and then the unimaginable pain sets in.” Mir’s thoughts during this life-threatening moment were entirely focused on his daughter’s well-being. He worried about how she would cope with the news and the potential disruption to her education. This deeply personal concern was a testament to the love and responsibility he felt toward his family.
After a few days of recovery, Mir’s first inquiry was about his daughter’s knowledge of the incident. The nurse’s response – that the whole world was aware of the incident – highlighted the far-reaching impact of his work and the importance of family in his life.
When questioned about his fear of death, Hamid Mir offered a profound perspective. He stated, “If you are afraid of Allah, then you can’t be scared of death.” He recounted facing death on multiple occasions, notably during the Lebanon-Israel war when he and his team were captured by Hezbollah militants. The captors spared their lives upon learning that they were Muslims. Another close encounter with death occurred in Gaza while attempting to film Israeli tanks. Divine intervention seemingly shielded him from harm, as rockets narrowly missed their mark. These experiences reinforced his unwavering faith and extinguished the fear of death.
As part of the literature festival, Hamid Mir seized the opportunity to emphasize the enduring importance of reading and literature in the modern world. He acknowledged the prevalence of smartphones and digital information but stressed that literature remains an integral aspect of a nation’s development and the nurturing of its youth. Encouraging the younger generation to attend such valuable festivals, he expressed gratitude to parents who instill a love for literature in their children. Mir also highlighted the unique charm of journalists with a passion for literature, emphasizing that books have no substitute in the realm of knowledge and enlightenment.
Hamid Mir’s enlightening discussion at the Islamabad Literature Festival provided valuable insights into his life experiences and underscored the enduring significance of literature in an ever-evolving world.
