Ishrat Fatima leaves Radio Pakistan after 45 years, sharing the emotional reasons behind her decision. The veteran news broadcaster revealed that she felt sidelined despite her continued excellence.
In a heartfelt video, Fatima said, “What hurts me most is that my voice is still strong, my eyesight is clear, my pronunciation is good, and I still love my work deeply.” She began her career in 1983 and started reading news in 1984. For her, news reading was more than a job—it was a passion, obsession, and love.
Fatima leaves Radio Pakistan because of marginalisation at work. She explained that instead of professional competition, unfair tactics were used to push her out. “I was often called a ‘legend’ and a ‘senior,’ but those words never brought respect, opportunity, or space,” she said.
The broadcaster emphasized that money was never her goal. Her priority was working with dignity and fairness. Fatima added, “This institution fed me and gave me respect, but it has no emotions, no love. It is just walls, corridors, cameras, and ceilings that echo our voices but do not hear them.”
Despite the pain, Fatima holds no bitterness. She requested her audience to pray that this difficult time does not turn her love for broadcasting into resentment. She also promised to stay connected with fans through social media and share memories from her decades-long career.
Officials at Radio Pakistan have not yet commented on her departure. Fans and colleagues have expressed support for the broadcaster, remembering her as a true icon of Pakistani media.
