Legendary Pakistan TV host, actor Tariq Aziz passes away

LAHORE - The multi-talented artiste made 'Neelam Ghar' a household name in Pakistan

Renowned television host Tariq Aziz passed away in Lahore on Wednesday. He was 84.

Aziz hosted PTV's famous quiz show 'Neelam Ghar'.

Aziz started his career from Radio Pakistan, Lahore, and was the first male PTV anchor when it started its initial broadcast in November 1964.

Aziz-hosted 'Neelam Ghar', which was first aired in 1974, set new popularity records and made him a household name in Pakistan. The show was later renamed as the 'Tariq Aziz Show' and then became 'Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz'.

Paying rich tribute to Aziz, author and TV host Mustansir Hussain Tarar described him as the "biggest star of PTV", adding that he had shown his talent as a compare, as an actor and as a poet.

"I spoke to him over the phone a few days ago, I was worried as he had been ill for quite a long while," he told Geo News. "I told him if it were not for Covid-19 and other problems, I would have visited you," he added.

Tariq Aziz was also an accomplished film actor and worked alongside leading stars like Waheed Murad and Zeba in "Insaniyat (1967)", and "Haar Gaya Insaan".

He also joined politics for a brief time and became member of Pakistan's National Assembly from 1997 and 1999.

A renowned poet, Aziz also had a collection of poems - Hamzad Da Dukh - to his credit.

Aziz also appeared on several local television programmes and morning shows. He also organised telethons for charity purposes.

Aziz was awarded the Pride of Performance Award by the president of Pakistan in 1992.

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