KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi recently held a condolence reference in memory of the late Vice President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and former Director General of Pakistan Television (PTV), Athar Waqar Azeem. The event, held at the Jaun Elia Lawn, drew a gathering of notable figures from Pakistan’s media, literary, and artistic circles, paying homage to a man who left a lasting impact on Pakistan’s television industry and the people around him.
Notable Attendees and Reflections
The ceremony was attended by key personalities, including Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, and others such as Zaheer Khan, Amjad Shah, Tajdar Adeel, anchor Yahya Khan, Secretary Arts Council Ejaz Farooqi, Iqbal Latif, Ayub Sheikh, Nadir Azeem, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Shahida Shoaib, Asif Ansari, Misbah, Ameen Memon, Qamar Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, Matloob Rizvi, and Sohail Hashmi. The event began with a touching showreel commemorating Athar Waqar Azeem’s life and career.
Huma Mir moderated the session, and the proceedings were graced by a telephonic conversation with Akhtar Waqar Azeem, Athar’s family member. Through heartfelt tributes, the speakers highlighted the personal and professional attributes that made Athar an iconic figure.
Muhammad Ahmed Shah’s Emotional Tribute
Muhammad Ahmed Shah, President of the Arts Council, described Athar Waqar Azeem as not only a colleague but also as an older brother and a dear friend. Shah shared personal anecdotes of sitting with Athar every fifteen days, alongside prominent personalities like Anwar Maqsood and musician Arshad Mahmood. Shah emphasized Athar’s compassionate nature, his ability to forgive, and the warmth he extended to all who knew him. “Athar never spoke ill of anyone and was always welcoming. He was one of those rare people who, despite his struggles, never showed them to the world,” Shah reflected.
A Glimpse into Athar’s Life
In a moving telephonic address, Akhtar Waqar Azeem shared fond memories of his brother, affectionately known to the family as “Sunny.” While Athar may have seemed serious to many, Akhtar shared that he had a fun-loving side, especially when it came to sports. Athar believed that watching a cricket match on television was more enjoyable than being at the stadium, always expressing enthusiasm for sports.
Zaheer Khan, a prominent figure in the television industry, highlighted the role Pakistan Television played in shaping their success. He emphasized that PTV’s legacy was built on teamwork, where conflicts were resolved without affecting work relationships. He credited PTV for imparting the knowledge needed to be successful producers while fostering an environment of learning and creativity.
Personal Reflections on Athar’s Legacy
Poet Tajdar Adeel recalled his loving and stylish friend, describing Athar as someone who stood out for his charm and generosity. PTV General Manager Amjad Shah referred to Athar as a towering personality who always nurtured talent and encouraged quality work. Despite his immense stature, Athar was known for his humble nature and was always willing to offer constructive criticism. “Athar taught us the essence of being a sports producer and how to maintain professionalism without compromising on quality,” Amjad Shah remarked.
Nadir Azeem, Athar’s son, expressed gratitude to the Arts Council for honoring his father. He shared that Athar was not only a pillar of support for others but also a man of unwavering principles. Nadir noted that although he did not spend as much time with his father as he wished, every moment they shared was a learning experience. “He carried an entire era with him and never compromised on his principles,” Nadir said.
Renowned anchor Yahya Hussain shared his memories of working with Athar, particularly in the realm of sports broadcasting. He noted that while Athar was always behind the scenes, his efforts were instrumental in putting talented individuals in front of the camera. “It’s easy to appear on TV, but Athar knew that achieving fame in this day and age is far more challenging,” Yahya added.
Athar’s Gentle Spirit and Unshakable Integrity
Other speakers, such as Iqbal Latif, echoed the sentiment that Athar Waqar Azeem was a man of rare kindness, capable of delivering even the toughest messages with softness. He was a man who believed in love and forgiveness. “Nadir has big shoes to fill, but with a father like Athar, I’m sure he will live up to that greatness,” said Latif.
Dr. Ayub Sheikh, a member of the Arts Council’s governing body, remarked on Athar’s ability to remain independent during difficult times. Although Athar was a major figure in the television industry, he never relied on his screen presence to make an impact. Instead, he focused on portraying the harsh realities of society while maintaining integrity and professionalism. Dr. Sheikh also noted Athar’s efforts in bridging the cultural gap between East and West, a role that only a few could fulfill with such clarity and precision.
A Lasting Legacy
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Shakeel Khan, marking the end of a moving tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the world of television and in the hearts of those who knew him. Athar Waqar Azeem’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of media professionals, not only for his technical prowess but for his unwavering dedication to integrity, kindness, and professionalism.