Tariq Aziz of Neelam Ghar fame dies at 84

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 5 years ago

ISLAMABAD—Renowned radio and television host Tariq Aziz of Neelam Ghar fame passed away in Lahore on Wednesday. He was 84.

Aziz started his career with Radio Pakistan in the 1960s and later kick-started the TV era in 1964 on the state-run Pakistan Television.

He was a pioneer of game shows in the country, his program Neelam Ghar started in 1974 and continued for four decades which was later named as Tariq Aziz Show and then Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz.

He was a poet and actor who acted and performed in several films, radio and television programs. His first film Insaniyat was released in 1967.

He also took part in national politics and remained a member of the National Assembly from 1997-1999.

Politicians, journalists, celebrities and fans expressed grief over the demise of the legendary PTV icon.

Explore Further

Pakistani media in 2025 tested by layoffs, laws, and trust

December 25, 2025: An in-depth year-ender examining how Pakistani media navigated layoffs, legal pressure, censorship, and innovation in 2025, highlighting key reporting, risks, and what lies ahead.

Journalism at a crossroads as press freedom erodes in Pakistan

December 21, 2025: Pakistan’s journalism faces growing repression through intimidation, PECA cases, economic pressure, and enforced silences, raising urgent questions about press freedom.

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Newsroom

Europe criticizes US visa bans over digital speech dispute

December 25, 2025 European leaders push back against US visa bans on digital policy figures, warning the move could strain cooperation and deepen disputes over online speech and tech regulation.

Morocco reforms press council law amid journalist concerns

December 25, 2025 Morocco’s parliament has approved reforms to the National Press Council law, prompting protests from journalists who warn the changes may weaken self-regulation and media independence.

Indian media grapples with AI ethics in newsrooms

December 24, 2025 Indian media organizations are debating ethical rules for artificial intelligence as newsrooms adopt AI tools, raising concerns over accuracy, accountability, and the future role of journalists.

Media warn Democratic bill could chill press freedom

December 24, 2025 Media groups warn that a Democratic-backed bill could expand defamation liability, raising concerns over press freedom, investigative reporting, and potential chilling effects across U.S. newsrooms.

Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj marks 1,000 days jailed

December 24, 2025 Kashmiri journalist Irfan Meraj has spent over 1,000 days in detention by Indian authorities in Kashmir, renewing concerns over press freedom and legal pressure on independent media.