Ishrat Fatima’s enduring voice rises above the noise of fake news

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s digital media space is once again under scrutiny after a false report claiming the death of renowned broadcaster and Pride of Performance recipient Ishrat Fatima went viral on social platforms, causing widespread confusion and distress among fans and colleagues.

The fake news spread rapidly across Facebook, X, and WhatsApp groups, prompting a flood of condolence messages and calls to people close to the legendary newsreader. Those connected to her, however, were quick to dismiss the claims and expressed frustration over the growing culture of misinformation online.

“At first, I was worried, wondering what kind of fake news was being spread about me,” Ishrat Fatima said. “But when I learnt it was a death hoax, I felt strangely relieved. I feared it might be something more damaging that would cause me shame or distress my family,” Fatima said in a social media video.

Veteran journalist Fauzia Kalsoom Rana condemned the fake news, saying it reflected the growing irresponsibility of digital users. “When this false news went viral, I was reminded of the time when our dear friend, renowned newscaster Taskeen Zafar, fell ill and someone mockingly said: ‘You people don’t leave radio even after dying!’” she recalled.

Reflecting on the late Taskeen Zafar’s lifelong dedication to radio journalism, Rana added, “If only people knew why Taskeen Zafar remained devoted to radio until her last breath. I worked with her — her programs were not only rich in quality content but were a treasure trove of pronunciation and tone. Working with her was no less than attending a university for beginners like us.”

Drawing parallels between the two accomplished broadcasters, Rana lamented the irresponsible circulation of false news regarding Ishrat Fatima. “Today, as these false posts circulate claiming that Ishrat Fatima has passed away, it truly hurts,” she said. “Perhaps people here think ‘passing away’ only means being buried in the ground, but the truth is, Ishrat Fatima has been alive since the day she gave news a new meaning.”

Known as one of Pakistan’s most iconic voices, Ishrat Fatima rose to prominence as a PTV news anchor in the 1980s and 1990s, admired for her flawless diction, calm demeanor, and professionalism. She set new standards for broadcast presentation and inspired generations of journalists and anchors who followed.

“She is Ishrat Fatima, unmatched in voice, pronunciation, and presentation,” Rana said. “She was often assigned more shifts than those who appeared on screen through influence, yet she never let her professional excellence falter.”

Criticizing those who weaponize misinformation for attention, Rana said, “Those who think they can ‘kill’ a legend through fake news are wrong. Ishrat Fatima’s voice will continue to resonate for eternity.”

As the wave of false information dies down, colleagues and admirers have called on media users to verify news before sharing it, urging responsibility and respect for those who have contributed decades of service to Pakistan’s broadcasting history.