Tariq Aziz's demise: COAS expresses grief, PM Imran pays tribute to 'icon' and 'pioneer'

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of renowned TV host, actor, and politician, Tariq Aziz, who died at 84 earlier today.

"Saddened to learn of the passing of Tariq Aziz, an icon in his time and a pioneer of our TV game shows," PM Imran Khan said on Twitter minutes after news of Aziz's demise broke.

"My condolences and prayers go to his family," he added.

Later in the day, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed grief on the demise of the legendary broadcaster and outstanding artist.

Aziz's "services for Pakistan will always be remembered", Gen Bajwa said, according to Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar.

"May Allah bless the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to the bereaved family, Aameen," the Army chief added.

'Ill for quite a long while'

Aziz passed away in Lahore at the age of 84. He began his professional career from Radio Pakistan and was one of the most recognisable voices on radio.

A renowned poet, Aziz was also a former parliamentarian and a respected poet. His hosting skills on the show 'Neelam Ghar' made him a household name in Pakistan over the past four decades in the country.

Read more: Pakistani stars mourn the loss of Tariq Aziz

"I spoke to him over the phone a few days ago, I was worried for him as he had been ill for quite a long while," said Mustansar Hussain Tarar, speaking to Geo News.

"I told him if it were not for the COVID-19 and other problems, I would have visited you," he added.

Praising Aziz's versatility, Tarar said that he was the "biggest star of PTV", adding that he had demonstrated his talents as a host, an actor, and a poet.