The first anchor of Pakistan Television (PTV) is known for Neelam Ghar that was later named Tariq Aziz Show and then Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz TV Show, veteran Tariq Aziz passed away on June 17, Wednesday, in Lahore at the age of 84.
Tariq Aziz was born April 23 1936 in Jalandhar. The late anchor received his education from the home town. Aziz started his career as media person from Radio Pakistan, Lahore. Later he worked as an anchor at PTV.
Besides anchoring, Aziz was well-known actor. He worked with the Chocolaty Boy-Waheed Murad, and Zeba in Insaniyat. Later, he was seen Haar Gaya Insaan. His Salgira was the most successful film of his career from 1960 to 1970. The musical received two Nigar Awards that year.
Aziz was one of the two anchors who received fame and commercial success because of Quiz Shows. He was seen as the host of quiz show in Neelam Ghar for the first time. Later, it was named on his name because of the commercial success of the show. Therefore, one of the anchors once said that today highly-paid anchors and host have dedicated fans in trendy quiz shows but what about Tariq Aziz who was the pioneer of such shows.
The late host was active in politics as well. He was a member of the Pakistan National Assembly from Lahore in 1996 as the worker of Pakistan Muslim League (N). Aziz was political activist since his college days. He was part of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) during the era of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He used to charge up the crowds with electrifying slogans during rallies. Therefore, he was called as “fireband socialist” but he left the party later and entered in the world of media completely.
During the presidentship of General Parvez Musharaf, Aziz joined Pakistan Muslim League (Q) but he was sidelined because of being unable to attain known status. Although Aziz was pioneer of quiz shows, he faced downfall after 2002 because of having immense competition from other channels.
Tariq Aziz was avid reader and philanthropist. He used to take part in quiz competitions and answer all questions right without any available assistance but he gave all his gifts to the welfare organizations. He had no children but he had immense love for them. He announced on one of the news channels that he would like to give his house and earning to the NGO after his death.
According to his family, Aziz was admitted to private hospital last night because of being critically ill on June 16.
May he would be granted the highest place in Jannah.
