Pakistan’s legendary TV show host and country’s first TV anchorman Tariq Aziz, best known for his show Neelam Ghar, passed away on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Sources in Tariq Aziz’s family broke the news but they did not divulge the cause of his death.

Tariq Aziz also acted in several films and his first film was Insaniyat which was released in 1967. In that film, he acted along with renowned actors Waheed Murad and Zeba and also played the leading role in film Haar Gaya Insaan. He also acted in film Salgira.

His quiz show Neelam Ghar was first aired on Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1974 and later the show was renamed as Tariq Aziz Show and then to Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz.

Tariq Aziz also took part in politics and was elected a member of the National Assembly from Lahore between 1997 and 1999. Interestingly, he along with MNA Mian Muhammad Munir and MPA from Punjab Akhtar Rasool were disqualified over their role in the 1997 attack on the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Born in 1936, Tariq Aziz received his early education in Jalandhar before starting his career at Radio Pakistan, Lahore. When Pakistan started its initial television broadcast in November 1964, Tariq Aziz became the first male PTV broadcaster and he also had the honour to make the first announcement on the state television. He was the first man to be seen on a PTV broadcast.

In 1974, Tariq Aziz started a quiz programme, Neelam Ghar, which used to be broadcast by PTV. Neelam Ghar had its three versions. For many long years, it remained as ‘Neelam Ghar’. Then it was made ‘Tariq Aziz Show’ and later the show was renamed as ‘Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz’.

Tariq had also performed in several movies including Insaniyat (1967), Haar Gaya Insaan and Salgira.

During President Pervez Musharraf's ruling period, he joined his political party Pakistan Muslim League (Q). However, he could not attain any status of note in that party and was sidelined.

Again, he returned to the entertainment industry. But this time his career in the entertainment industry could not reach the highs of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s due to plenty of competition by many TV channels in Pakistan after 2002.

In recognition of his services, Tariq was conferred with Pride of Performance. Apart from show hosting, he had interviewed many notable intellectuals, sportspersons, and celebrities on his shows.

Tariq Aziz had appeared on several local television programmes and morning shows. He had also organised telethons for charity purposes.

The TV show host recently announced his decision to donate all his lifetime earnings to the Government of Pakistan.

He shared that having children or no children is the will of Allah and since he has no kids of his own he would like to give all his earnings for the welfare of his country.

Tariq Aziz had won the hearts of many by announcing his will and he surely was a role model for all of us.

In his reaction, Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet expressed condolences on the sad demise of Tariq Aziz.

https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1273177354123313154

Celebs and fans’ reaction

Several actors and filmmakers who had worked with Tariq Aziz expressed grief over his death on social media.

Superstar Ali Zafar said in a statement: “Rest in peace Tariq Aziz Sahab. You gave us an era. A childhood full of memories. You gave us gifts and so much more. We forget our heroes too soon. But I am confident you shall never be forgotten. Such was your presence. #RIP #TariqAziz”

https://twitter.com/AliZafarsays/status/1273178599059795969

Actor Bilal Ashraf wrote: “Another huge loss, Tariq Aziz Saab you will be missed. #TariqAziz”

https://twitter.com/IamBilalAshraf/status/1273177027047239685

Calling it ‘heart-breaking’, Mawra Hocane also expressed her sorrow. She wrote: “A big part of my childhood. May you rest in peace sir. Thank you for entertaining us with your game shows & so much more.”

https://twitter.com/MawraHocane/status/1273178882162798592

Fahad Mustafa, took to Instagram to share a deeply emotional message. “Our media industry has lost a legendary host, actor & an exceptional human being. ‎End of an era.” He wrote.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBh-MsqJJJW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Praising Aziz's versatility, actor Mustansir Hussain Tarar said he was the “biggest star of PTV”, adding that he had shown his talents as a compere, as an actor and as a poet.

Following are the reactions of fans and well-known personalities on twitter:

https://twitter.com/pmln_org/status/1273175373262528512

https://twitter.com/iamAhmadshahzad/status/1273175478891929607

https://twitter.com/_Mansoor_Ali/status/1273167554157125633

https://twitter.com/hyzaidi/status/1273167308140285957

https://twitter.com/AyeshDibs/status/1273167447542190083

https://twitter.com/SuspendedBila/status/1273167503716466691

https://twitter.com/kaalakawaa/status/1273168123634634753

https://twitter.com/hinaparvezbutt/status/1273168072640278528

https://twitter.com/YusraSAskari/status/1273168184170942464

https://twitter.com/Maria_Memon/status/1273170280760950786