Anwar Ali, creator of famous character Nanna, was the first newspaper cartoonist associated with The Pakistan Times. Born on April 18, 1922 in Ludhiana, his association with this newspaper spread over 30 years from 1947 to 1977.
The cartoon was one of the most widely appreciated items on the pages of The Pakistan Times for its brief, down to earth, and honest comment to expose hypocrisy of upper strata of the society.
According to Khalid Hasan, “Nanna, the memorable imp used to appear on the front page of The Pakistan Times every day, thumbing his nose at everyone, from jacked up bureaucrats to rotund feudal lords to double-crossing politicians to city fathers who preferred to help themselves rather than the city.
“Were I to choose one political cartoonist out of the many who have drawn for our newspapers since independence, without hesitation, I would choose Anwar Ali, always Anwar Nanna to those of us who had the privilege of working under the same roof with him.
Anwar Ali, who also worked for Dawn and the Civil Military Gazette, was also the author of two collections of short stories Kaalian Ittan, Kaale Ror and Noori.
He died in Lahore on November 27, 2004.
(Compiled from different news reports)
Born on 2 September 1932, Aslam Azhar is remembered as the founding father of Pakistan Television. After earning a law degree from Cambridge University, he chose not to pursue a legal career but instead immersed himself in the world of performing arts.
Muhammad Ziauddin, renowned as a capable and fiercely independent journalist, left a lasting legacy spanning over five decades. Known respectfully as Ziauddin Sahab, he was regarded as one of the last legendary journalists in Pakistan.
A prominent print and television journalist, columnist, political analyst, and commentator, Ayaz Amir became known for his weekly columns in Daily Dawn. He started writing for Dawn during the government of Ziaul Haq
Businessman, philanthropic and outspoken columnist, Ardeshir Cowasjee was regarded as an 'old guardian' of Karachi city. Cowasjee belonged to a well-known Parsi family of Karachi
Yusuf Lodhi, an accidental but acerbic cartoonist, who introduced a new form of political caricature in Pakistan, joined the world of journalism in 1969 as assistant editor of Peshawar Times.
The death of Minhaj Barna in Rawalpindi at the age of 87 on January 14, 2011 marked the end of an era.Even journalists who had never met him in person were familiar with his name and his
Born in Lahore, Mohammad Safdar Mir was respected and feared for his encyclopedic knowledge, making his mark as a poet and playwright. He acted on stage in both Bombay and Lahore
Mushahid Hussain Sayed has the distinction of becoming the youngest editor of a national English daily The Muslim (now defunct). He achieved this honor at the age of 29 in 1982.
October 29, 2025 In a historic first, a Bishkek court declares Kloop, Temirov Live, and their founders extremist, marking Kyrgyzstan’s sharpest assault on press freedom under President Japarov.
October 29, 2025 Babar Azam's form slump reveals a psychological battle between classical artistry and modern cricket demands. Inside the mind of Pakistan's maestro, struggling to rediscover flow.
October 29, 2025 The New York Times is accepting applications for its 2025 fellowship, a one-year journalism training program for emerging reporters, editors, and visual journalists. Deadline: November 19, 2025.
October 29, 2025 CPJ calls on Turkey to release journalist Merdan Yanardag and return control of TELE1, after his arrest on espionage charges and state media takeover.
October 29, 2025 Alfred Friendly Press Partners invites exiled journalists in the US to apply for its 2026 four-week fellowship offering training, support, and a $2,000 stipend.