Adil Najam
I did not know Asim Butt.
Except through the excellent review of his art done by Raza Rumi and carried by us at ATP in July 2008, and through the ‘Eject’ sign graffiti that because popular in many civil society circles during the last days of Gen Musharraf’s government. But hearing today that he has died in what may be a suicide has left me down and dejected.
It is partly because a person of such obvious talent and great potential, someone with a strong political conscience and a desire and the ability to act on that conscience, and someone so young (“in the prime of his life” as we Pakistanis say) is no more. But it is also the way he has departed. Or chosen to depart. All death leaves one speechless for a minute. Suicide leaves one even more dumbstruck.
If it was a case of suicide, I do not know why he would do so. Frankly, I am not very eager to find out either. I have no interest in the morbid voyerism of digging into potentially scandalous stories that lurk in the shadows of human tragedy.
I just know that a young man who could have done so much and had real impact, has chosen to end his life.
That, I know, is a tragedy. A tragedy not only for the family and friends of Asim Butt – to whom we offer our condolences and prayers of strength in this time of trial. It is a tragedy, also, for all of us.
How can the needless loss of a 31 year old man not be a tragedy? No matter who the person was and no matter what the circumstances.
P.S. A wonderful tribute to the activism of Asim Butt has also been written by Teeth Maestro at his blog (here).
I can’t believe it. I knew him through Facebook and we sent many messages. I can’t believe this. I invited him to Iran in coming months to show his paintings and talent to Tehranian people but now we have lost this great opportunity. I liked his art a lot and he was a great talent and a real friend. Rest in peace Asim.
Life sucks!!!
What an extraordinary talent! and what a universal loss for future of Pakistan!!
(anybody knows about his personal life?)
Very sad. Such a waste.
I pray for his family. Rest in Peace Asim.
Adil, the sensitivity of your words is always moving.
I, too, did not know him but am moved the same way you are. Not just because a talent has been wasted, but because a life has been.
Thank u Adil for this article. It is sad that a young man took his life, a talented young man. Not many in Pakistan will probably pay any attention due to the current violent and poverty ridden state of affairs. Here, there has been a death of a mind who could have given our nation gift of art, sensitivities, intellect. These attributes in our society are limited to a tiny fringe. His display of art and culture could have helped to bring our communities together