Riaz Batalvi (1937-2003)

Riaz Batalvi, a journalist, became a writer and a dramatist, giving PTV two of its best productions – Aik Haqeeqat, Aik Afsana and Dubai Chalo.

Born as Riazul Hasan in February 1937 in Gurdaspur, he served as editor of Daily Mashriq. When he came to Pakistan after partition, he joined Daily Kohistan, which was edited by novelist Nasim Hijaji. He joined Mashriq when the paper was launched in 1963.

At Mashriq, he started feature writing by becoming a people’s person. Mashriq would announce reward for Lahorites if any one of them could spot Batalvi among them. Next day his pictures would be published sometimes as a porter at the railway station or a cart hawker or even a beggar, telling readers he was among them. This would provide Batalvi rich material for his features. His drama - Dubai Chalo - was an instant hit which was also turned into a film.

Similarly Aik Haqeeqat, Aik Afsana was the leading drama series on PTV. In 1986 he was given the Pride of Performance award by the government for excellence in literature. He died on January 3, 2003.

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Zamir Niazi (1932-2004)

Zamir Niazi was a renowned Pakistani journalist, famous for his commitment to the freedom of the press. He worked for Dawn, Daily News and Business Recorder and also edited the monthly Recorder and the weekly Current.

Khalid Akhtar (1935-2005)

Khalid Akhtar was a senior journalist who started his career in 1973 as a Sub-Editor and Editorial Writer with The New Times. He worked with The Muslim in Islamabad as its Executive Editor

Asaf Jilani

Asaf Jilani was born in Aligarh in 1934. He got his primary education at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi where Dr. Zakir Hussain was Shaikh ul Jamia. Dr. Hussain later became the third President of

Omar Kureishi (1928-2005)

Omar Kureishi was a distinguished Pakistani writer. He worked in advertising, aviation and journalism, writing for many newspapers, including Dawn, The Pakistan Times, Morning News and The Guardian, London.

Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (1873-1956)

Writer, journalist and politician, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan belonged to a learned family of Karamabad district, Gujranwala, Punjab. He received his early education in Wazirabad and Patiala.

Zakir Hussain Syed (1939-2013)

Zakir Hussain Syed, affectionately called Zak, was an internationally renowned sports administrator, broadcaster and journalist. Born in the town of Sialkot on November 1, 1939, Zakir had his initial schooling at Rawalpindi's Denny's High School.

Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman (1927-1992)

Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman was the Founder and Editor of the Jang Group of Newspapers.. A self-made newspaper magnate he ranks among the most successful newspaper entrepreneurs in Asia.

Agha Nasir (1937-2016)

Born on February 9, 1937 in Meerut, India, Agha Nasir was an outstanding director, producer, broadcaster and a TV playwright. After graduating from the University of Karachi, he started his career with a stint with Radio Pakistan in 1955.

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