Pakistan’s renowned television host and former actor Tariq Aziz passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84. He was also a politician.
According to ARY News, he was quarantined at his home in Lahore with his wife since the last three months amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Born on 28 April 1936, the legendary artist received his early education in Jalandhar.
He started his career from Radio Pakistan, Lahore and had the honour to be the first male Pakistan Television Network announcer when Pakistan started its initial broadcast in November 1964.
He become a household name owing to the popularity he gained for his work on PTV’s Quiz Show Neelam Ghar which was first aired in 1974.
Aziz starred in a Pakistani film Insaniyat (1967) along with popular film stars Waheed Murad and Zeba. He was also seen in another film Haar Gaya Insaan.
He had also been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan between 1997 and 1999.
Condolences and tributes poured in for the legendary TV personality from renowned personalities and fans from across the country.
Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted that he is saddened by the loss of an icon of his time and extended condolences to his family.
Saddened to learn of the passing of Tariq Aziz, an icon in his time and a pioneer of our TV game shows. My condolences and prayers go to his family.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 17, 2020
Expressing grief over the demise of legendary broadcaster and outstanding Artist Tariq Aziz, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said, “His services for Pakistan will always be remembered. May Allah bless the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to the bereaved family, Aameen.”
#COAS expresses grief on demise of legendary broadcaster & outstanding Artist #Tariq Aziz.
“His services for Pakistan will always be remembered. May Allah bless the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to the bereaved family, Aameen.” COAS— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) June 17, 2020
Actress Mawra Hocane paid tribute to him and said he was a big part of her childhood.
A big part of my childhood. May you rest in peace sir. Thankyou for entertaining us with your game shows & so much more❤️
“Dekti aankhon or suntay kanon ko#TariqAziz ka salam” 🤲🏻— MAWRA HUSSAIN (@MawraHocane) June 17, 2020
Cricketer Wahab Riaz said Aziz was a role model full of knowledge, ethics, culture, norms a true human who groomed more than three generations of Pakistan.
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
So sad to hear about the loss of Tariq Aziz sab. He was a role model full of knowledge, ethics, culture, norms a true human who groomed more than three generations of Pakistan. Praying for your high ranks in jannah 🤲🏼🤲🏼 pic.twitter.com/LqKYVUjlZV
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) June 17, 2020
Superstar Mahira Khan tweeted that Pakistan is forever indebted to him.
Legend is, what legend does. He served us all. For so so long. Pakistan is indebted to you Tariq Aziz Sir. Truly, the end of an era.
May Allah bless you. My condolences to his family and all of Pakistan. 🙏🏼♥️🇵🇰#TariqAziz pic.twitter.com/kRflbgrfVu— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) June 17, 2020
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also paid homage to the legend.
Heard the sad news of legendary anchor Tariq Aziz sahab this morning. May Allah make his journey onwards easy. He was the first face of Pakistan Television. #TariqAziz pic.twitter.com/hRaU1mbokR
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 17, 2020
