Legendary current affairs guru Athar Viqar Azim passes away

Athar Waqar Azim, former Director of Pakistan Television (PTV), who worked with heads of state from Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to General Pervez Musharraf, passed away on Sunday in Karachi. He also worked with Hum TV for nearly two decades.

Athar Viqar Azim was the son of renowned writer and poet Professor Syed Viqar Azim and the younger brother of former PTV Managing Director Akhtar Viqar Azim.

Athar Viqar’s childhood was spent in the company of famous poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Habib Jalib. His father often hosted literary gatherings at their home, sparking Athar Waqar’s deep interest in literature from an early age.

Athar joined Pakistan Television as a producer in 1973 and retired as Director of Current Affairs in 2006, having served during both the black-and-white and color TV eras of PTV. After retiring from PTV, Athar Waqar Azim joined Hum TV, where he was a key member of its core team for nearly two decades.

Athar Viqar was also an accomplished actor and voice artist in television, film, and theater, with a professional career spanning over 50 years.

He was married to renowned TV producer Shireen Azim, who produced iconic dramas like Ankahi.

Although born in Karachi, Athar Viqar moved to Lahore due to his father’s posting, where he completed his education. Later, he returned to Karachi to begin his professional career, joining PTV.

He served not only as Director of Current Affairs but also as General Manager of the Karachi Center, covering numerous significant events for Pakistan Television.

Athar Viqar Azim produced interviews with several heads of state, prime ministers, and stars like Dilip Kumar. He also had the distinction of covering the historic Sharjah cricket match against India as a producer and contributed to the coverage of key cricket, hockey, and squash events.

Sarwar Munir Rao, a former senior producer at PTV, praised Athar Viqar Azim as a true asset to Pakistan Television. He recalled how Athar Waqar quickly rose through the ranks after joining PTV in 1973 and became a dominant figure in the News and Current Affairs departments.

Athar Viqar covered many historical events, both domestically and internationally, including speeches by heads of state at the United Nations and visits to neighboring India.

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Sarwar Munir Rao highlighted that Athar Viqar Azim’s brilliance lay in his ability to win the admiration of both elected representatives and military leaders like General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. All heads of state sought his counsel before interviews or television appearances.

Retired PTV senior producer Shakeel Adnan Hashmi also fondly remembered working with Athar Viqar Azim, describing it as a golden era. He emphasized that Athar Viqar treated his colleagues like family, supporting them through good times and challenges, making him a beloved PTV figure.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday afternoon.

MediaBites team extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Athar Waqar Azim. May Allah grant his soul eternal peace and provide strength and patience to his loved ones during this difficult time.