Shaista Zaid calls it a day

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 July 2012 |  JP Staff Report

Veteran Pakistan Television (PTV) anchor and newscaster Shaista Zaid has announced her retirement after a 43-year broadcasting career. She delivered her final English news bulletin on Friday, ending a tenure that began in 1969. PTV management paid tribute to her legacy and service.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – After an illustrious 43-year career that spanned some of Pakistan's most pivotal moments, veteran Pakistan Television (PTV) anchor and newscaster Shaista Zaid has announced her retirement from broadcasting.

Zaid concluded her remarkable tenure at the national broadcaster on Friday, delivering her final English news bulletin, a fitting end to a career that began in 1969 when she first joined PTV.

Throughout her four-decade journey, Zaid became synonymous with excellence in broadcast journalism, earning the admiration and respect of millions of viewers across Pakistan through her impeccable diction, linguistic fluency, and dignified on-screen presence.

Beyond her regular duties of presenting the English news bulletin, Zaid was entrusted with delivering some of PTV's most significant historical announcements. Her authoritative voice guided the nation through:

• Coverage and updates during the 1971 war
• Reports on Pakistan's democratic transition in 1988
• Breaking news of the military coup that brought General Pervez Musharraf to power, overthrowing the Nawaz Sharif government in 1999

Reflecting on her departure, Zaid expressed deep gratitude for her time at PTV, describing it as encompassing "some of the most important moments of her life." She thanked the broadcaster for "enriching her life and enabling her to touch the hearts and minds of millions of viewers."

PTV Managing Director Yousaf Beg Mirza, addressing staff members, paid tribute to Zaid's exceptional contribution, declaring her "an institution" who "had always made PTV proud."

Zaid's retirement marks the end of an era for Pakistani television journalism, closing the chapter on one of the country's most respected and enduring broadcast careers. Her professional legacy continues to set the standard for excellence in news presentation and journalistic integrity.

KEY POINTS:

• Shaista Zaid retired from PTV after a 43-year career in broadcasting.
• She signed off with her final English news bulletin on Friday.
• Zaid joined PTV in 1969 and became known for her diction and on-screen presence.
• She presented major national announcements, including the 1971 war, the 1988 transition, and the 1999 coup.
• PTV Managing Director Yousaf Beg Mirza called her “an institution” and praised her contributions.