LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani television host and actress Juggun Kazim has spoken candidly for the first time about the tragic loss of her father, Syed Abbas Kazim, and the complex childhood experiences that shaped her life.
Speaking in a recent podcast appearance, the host reflected on the personal hardship she faced following her father’s death in October 2002. Kazim shared that she was 21 years old and residing in North America when she received the tragic news over a phone call.
“The most painful moment of my life was when I received the news of my father’s death,” Kazim recalled. “Initially, I was told my ‘Dada’—the term I affectionately used for my father—had passed away. I couldn’t believe it at first, but upon calling back, I learned the heartbreaking reality that he had been killed.”
Syed Abbas Kazim, a well-known figure on state television, left a complex legacy in his daughter’s life. While Kazim acknowledged his friendly and caring public persona, she also spoke openly about his severe temper and strict nature at home, noting that his aggressive behavior contributed to her parents’ eventual divorce.
Growing up between two households following her parents’ separation, Kazim described herself as a stubborn, rebellious child who frequently clashed with her mother and gravitated toward boyish activities while growing up in Lahore. She noted that life experiences around age 17 began to bring maturity and a clearer understanding of herself.
Despite their fraught relationship, Kazim expressed deep regret that her father passed away before witnessing her professional successes. Reflecting on receiving the prestigious Presidential Award, she shared that her father was at the forefront of her thoughts.
“I missed my father deeply on that occasion,” she shared. “In my heart, I wanted to tell him that despite his doubts, I succeeded.”
