Aslam Azhar (1932-2015)

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.

In 1964, he became the first chairman of Pakistan Television (PTV), where his visionary leadership transformed the medium into a hub of literary and artistic excellence. Under his guidance, a new generation of writers and actors emerged, many of whom went on to become household names. He championed programming that spoke to all age groups and social classes, making television an inclusive and powerful cultural force.

As media veteran Javed Jabbar observed, "He was solely responsible for engendering and sustaining for about four years in KTV an aura of exciting experimentation and innovation, of freedom to venture towards new horizons, of a fraternal, convivial ambiance."

Beyond television, Azhar co-founded the Karachi Arts Theatre Society, which helped ignite a vibrant theatre culture in the city. His lifelong contributions to broadcasting and the arts earned him several honors, including the Tamgha-i-Pakistan (1968), the Nigar Award (1999), and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (2012).

He was married to Nasreen Azhar, a fellow theatre enthusiast and dedicated social activist. Together, they raised three children, including Arieb Azhar, a renowned musician.

Aslam Azhar passed away on  December 29, 2015, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Pakistan’s cultural and broadcasting landscape.