ISLAMABADPakistan’s renowned TV/Radio host, film actor, politician Tariq Aziz passed away due to cardiac arrest in Lahore on Wednesday. He was 84.
He began his professional career from Radio Pakistan Lahore and was one of the most recognisable voices on radio. He was the first announcer of PTV.
Tariq Aziz was known for his work on PTV's Quiz Show Neelam Ghar, first aired in 1974, later renamed the Tariq Aziz Show and also known as Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz.
His hosting skills on the show 'Neelam Ghar' made him a household name in Pakistan over the past four decades in the country.
A renowned poet, Aziz was also a former parliamentarian and a respected poet. He had been member of the National Assembly of Pakistan between 1997 and 1999. He also performed in various movies.
Tariq Aziz also acted in a number of Pakistani films in the late 1960s and 1970s in side-roles. One of his famous movies was Salgira (1969) which was a highly successful musical movie and won 2 Nigar Awards for that year.
He was awarded Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1992 for his services to the nation.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of renowned and legendary actor and TV show host Tariq Aziz.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said that Tariq Aziz was an icon in his time and a pioneer of our TV game shows.
He prayed for strength to his family members to bear this irreparable loss.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of renowned Compere, Broadcaster and Anchor Tariq Aziz.
In a statement, he said Tariq Aziz provided education and entertainment to the people of Pakistan through PTV for decades.
The Minister said Tariq Aziz was a literary personality having unmatched artistic capabilities, and he made his programme "Tariq Aziz Show" a source of education and training of people. He said Tariq Aziz will live in the hearts of people forever.
The Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul high ranks in Jannah and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.
Governor Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Provincial Ministers have expressed deep sense of grief and sorrow over demise of veteran broadcaster, compere, anchor, actor and poet Tariq Aziz.
In their separate condolence messages, they said that services of Tariq Aziz will always be remembered.