Neelam Ghar’s famous host Tariq Aziz passes away

LAHORE: Renowned television show host Tariq Aziz has passed away in Lahore on Wednesday after a brief illness.

The former host was brought in a private hospital in Lahore for a throat infection. According to his family, he was not suffering from any medical condition.

Born on 28th April 1936, Tariq Aziz was a Pakistani film actor, TV host, and a politician who was known for his work on the state-owned PTV’s famous quiz show ‘Neelam Ghar’ that made him a household name in Pakistan.

Due to immense popularity, the show was later renamed ‘The Tariq Aziz Show’ and later known as Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz. Apart from being a host, he became a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan between 1997 and 1999.

He wrote numerous plays like ‘Andheray Ka Safar’, ‘Rait Ka Shehar’, ‘Athra, ‘Sab Acha Hai’, ‘Ali Baba Sarey Chor’ and ‘Doraha’.  He was awarded the Prime of Performance Award for his services in 1992.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also expressed grief over the demise of the veteran host and wrote that he was saddened to learn of the passing of Tariq Aziz. The prime minister said he was an icon in his time and a pioneer TV game shows.

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

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Tariq Aziz.

In a statement, the minister said Tariq Aziz provided education and entertainment to the people of the nation for decades. He said Tariq Aziz was a literary personality having unmatched artistic capabilities who made his programme a source of education and training.

He said Tariq Aziz will live in the hearts of people forever. He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul high ranks in paradise and give courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.