ISLAMABAD (Pakistan) – Legendary broadcaster and former managing director of Pakistan Television (PTV) Aslam Azhar, also known as father of PTV died on Tuesday at his home.
He will be laid in Islamabad’s H-11 graveyard today (Wednesday) after Zohr prayers.
Azhar, who had undergone prostate surgery last month, was on his way to recovery, but on Tuesday he reportedly got choked and died at home.
He was born in September of 1932 in Lahore; Azhar did his bachelor’s from Government College Lahore. After completion of his Masters in Law degree from the Cambridge University in 1954, Azhar, a man of many talents, joined the Department of Films and Publications as a freelancer.
He was given Tamgha-e-Pakistan for his services in 1968.
Among other feats, Azhar is credited with conceptualizing the first PTV award ceremony of 1982-83, Music 89, marathon transmissions on 1970 elections and the Islamic Summit held in Lahore. He also produced popular show Roobroo hosted by Mohsin Sherazi.
He very quickly brought together a first class team of designers, cameramen, writers and artists and established stations at Karachi, Lahore and Quetta, bringing quality programming and latest equipment.
During the first government of Benazir Bhutto, he was appointed chairman of both Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and the PTV.
Azhar leaves behind his wife, Nasreen Azhar, a human rights activist, two sons and a daughter to mourn his death.