JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 09, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
RAWALPINDI—The world of broadcasting mourns the loss of Taskeen Zafar, the legendary voice of Radio Pakistan, who passed away in Rawalpindi on Sunday at the age of 67 after a brief illness. Born in Rawalpindi in 1957, Taskeen's illustrious career in broadcasting spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
She began her journey with Radio Pakistan in 1980 as an announcer. Her eloquent voice and unique style quickly set her apart, making her a beloved figure in households across Pakistan. Over the years, she not only read the news but also hosted various programs on Radio Pakistan's news and current affairs channels. Her versatility extended to Pakistan Television, where she presented news and hosted music programs, further cementing her status as a media icon.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of broadcasting, Taskeen Zafar was awarded the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance last year. This accolade was a testament to her dedication, skill, and the impact she had on Pakistani media.
The news of Taskeen Zafar's passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and government officials. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, expressed his sorrow, stating, "Taskeen Zafar was a talented and experienced newscaster. Her death has resulted in an irreparable loss not only to Radio Pakistan but to the entire media industry." He extended his heartfelt condolences to her family and prayed for her eternal peace.
Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, Shahera Shahid, also expressed deep sorrow, calling her an asset to Radio Pakistan. She noted that the void created by her demise could never be filled and extended her condolences to Taskeen's family.
Director General Radio Pakistan, Saeed Ahmed Shaikh, praised Taskeen's matchless services in the broadcasting field, saying, "Radio Pakistan lost a great asset today. Taskeen Zafar earned nationwide recognition as a newscaster and will remain a source of inspiration and pride for us in the times ahead. She will be dearly missed."
Taskeen Zafar's legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. Her eloquence and dedication inspired many aspiring broadcasters and journalists. Her voice, a constant in many people's lives, brought news and stories with a unique warmth and reliability that will be fondly remembered.
As we bid farewell to a broadcasting legend, Taskeen Zafar's contributions to Pakistani media will continue to resonate. Her work, recognized by both peers and the public, ensures that her legacy will endure, inspiring future generations in the world of journalism and broadcasting.
March 07, 2025: Former Suno TV anchor Paras Jahanzaib breaks silence on her sudden removal, exposing government pressure tactics against journalists who refuse to follow official narratives in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 13, 2025: Prominent journalist Asma Shirazi faces relentless online harassment in a coordinated campaign involving gendered disinformation. Press freedom groups demand immediate action to protect female journalists in Pakistan.
November 09, 2024: In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.
October 18, 2024: GNN anchor Samina Pasha resigns due to pressure from certain quarters, underscoring concerns over media freedom in Pakistan. She highlights the sacrifices made by journalists for speaking the truth.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
March 26, 2025 Karachi journalist Farhan Mallick has been remanded to FIA custody for five days in a new fraud case. The FIA alleges his involvement in a call center scam defrauding foreign nationals.
March 26, 2025 A district court in Islamabad granted the FIA a two-day physical remand of journalist Waheed Murad. He was arrested under the PECA Act for sharing a report by exiled journalist Ahmad Noorani on social media. His arrest involved armed men in black uniforms, according to his family.
March 25, 2025 Turkish authorities must release detained journalists covering protests and end press crackdowns. CPJ condemns police violence and home raids targeting media workers.
March 25, 2025 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has promised to name a journalism department in an educational institution after slain journalist Arshad Sharif. This follows a suggestion by analyst Ather Kazmi during an interview.
March 25, 2025 The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the arrest of Karachi journalist Farhan Mallick, founder of Raftar, demanding his immediate release. The PFUJ has also denounced the case, calling it an attack on press freedom in Pakistan.