Noted Pak-born author, columnist Tarek Fatah, known for calling out Islamists, dies after long battle with cancer

"Fearless. That’s the one word that, for me, best described Tarek Fatah," wrote Toronto Sun's Lorrie Goldstein in a tribute to the man who was a columnist with the Canadian publication for a very long time.

"As one of the editors of the immensely popular political columns he wrote for the Toronto Sun starting in 2012, I always marvelled at his fearlessness," he wrote about Fatah who was born in Karachi, Pakistan on Nov 20, 1949, and later moved to Canada in the 1980s.

Goldstein wrote: "A political activist, a fierce defender of human rights and a staunch opponent of religious fanaticism in any form, nothing scared Tarek Fatah.Not death threats by fanatics. Not arrests. Not imprisonment by dictatorial regimes abroad, all of which he endured with remarkable stoicism, courage and even humour."

His daughter Natasha Fatah confirmed the news of his death in a Twitter post.

She wrote, ''Lion of Punjab.Son of Hindustan.Lover of Canada.Speaker of truth.Fighter for justice.Voice of the downtrodden, underdogs, and the oppressed. @TarekFatah has passed the baton on… his revolution will continue with all who knew and loved him. Will you join us?''

Tarek Fatah spoke openly against Pakistan and often expressed his support for the BJP-led NDA government in India while speaking on television and other public forums.

Throughout his life, Fatah also openly criticised Pakistan’s stand against India, Pak-funded terrorism, and the existence of the deep state in that country.

He called himself an 'Indian born in Pakistan' and a 'Punjabi born into Islam'.

He worked as a journalist, political activist, and television host in Canada and has also written several books, including Chasing a Mirage: The Tragic Illusion of an Islamic State" and "The Jew is Not My Enemy: Unveiling the Myths that Fuel Muslim Anti-Semitism".

While he had a huge social media following for his vehement criticism of radical Islamists, it was also one of the reasons he received threats from extremist forces.

Tributes poured in soon after his death with people from various walks of life posting their condolence messages on social media.

According to NDTV, actor Ranvir Shorey commented, ''Deeply saddened to know this. He was one of the bravest & wisest people I have known. May his noble soul rest with the Almighty in heaven. He did more than his share of good in this world. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family, and his countless admirers across the world.''

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri tweeted, "There was one and only @TarekFatah - daring, funny, knowledgable, sharp thinker, great orator and a fearless fighter. Tarek, my brother, it was a delight to have you as a close friend. Will you be able to rest in peace? Om Shanti."

"Tarek Fatah was, indeed, all of these things and a great Canadian. But he was also a beloved father. My deepest condolences to you Natasha and your family," wrote Senator from Quebec Leo Housakos.

One user wrote: “Too hard to process, Tarek Fatah is gone. Rest in power, my friend, guide and family. We shall meet again! Om Shanti."