Railway minister expresses grief over death of Tariq Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of prominent television host, Tariq Aziz.

In a condolence message issued here by the Ministry of Railways, the minister said that late Tariq Aziz had made his name and position with his hard work, dedication and ability.

Paying tribute to the renowned television host, Sheikh Rashid said the services of Tariq Aziz in the fields of television as well as politics would also be remembered.

The minister offered condolence to the family of Tariq Aziz and prayed the Almighty to rest the departed soul in peace.

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.