Founding Father of PTV Aslam Azhar passes away

Mr Azhar is credited with setting up PTV in 1964 and under his tutelage and control as chairman and managing director it aired programming that came to be widely acclaimed as vibrant and relevant to it’s time.

PTV founder Aslam Azhar passes away,he was an institution #Rip

— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) December 29, 2015

A committed socialist, Mr Azhar was deeply interested in theatre as well and that his how he met his wife Nasreen Jan. He sought to use the visual medium to highlight some of the many pressing challenges that a fledgling Pakistan was facing during that era.

Death of Aslam Azhar is huge loss to progressive humanity. New generations must know about his contribution to art,culture & broadcasting. — Afrasiab Khattak (@a_siab) December 29, 2015

Tributes and accolades pored in as news of his death was announced — initially on social media. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Information Minister Pervez Rashid (whose ministry controls PTV) expressed their condolences at Mr Azhar’s death as did the current MD of PTV Mohammad Malick. Many people commented on his passing on social media as well with several saying that Pakistan was poorer by the loss of such an intelligent, creative and progressive individual.

Rest in peace Aslam Azhar sahib. End of an era of professional and progressive TV. We are poorer after you sir.

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) December 29, 2015