Renowned Urdu poet, drama writer, and lyricist Amjad Islam Amjad passed away in Lahore at the age of 78.

He suffered a cardiac arrest while sleeping, his family told the media.

Ammar Masood, the son of renowned comic poet Anwar Masood, also confirmed the development on Twitter, stating that the poet is no more.

He was the author of more than 40 books and had received many awards for his literary work and screenplay for TV, including Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) Awards.

President Arif Ali in a series of tweets shared a few lines from the late poet.

Amjad was scheduled to participate in the opening session of the Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF) starting at the Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall on Friday (today).

Like Faiz Ahmed Faiz his family originally belonged to Sialkot.

Amjad Islam Amjad obtained a Master of Arts degree in Urdu literature from Punjab University and began his career as a lecturer in Govt. M.A.O. College Lahore.

His Wikipedia profile says Amjad Islam Amajd worked as a director at Pakistan Television Corporation from 1975 to 1979, before returning to teaching. In 1989, Amjad was appointed Director General of Urdu Science Board.