“Dekhti aankhon, sun’te kaanon ko Tariq Aziz ka salaam”—he died five years ago. Tariq Aziz was the face of Pakistan Television, a renowned host, actor, poet, and politician.
It will be five years since the legendary Pakistani icon Tariq Aziz died on June 17, 2025. His voice, charisma, and cultural impact will live on forever in the history of Pakistan Television (PTV).
Tariq Aziz was more than just a broadcaster. He was a national treasure, an intellectual, and a model of grace and respect in the media. He was known as the face and voice of PTV during its golden years.
The Symbol of a Time.
He was born in Jalandhar, British India, on April 28, 1936. His family moved to Pakistan after the partition and lived in Sahiwal.
He graduated from Government College, Lahore, and began his career in radio before transitioning to TV. He made history on PTV.
In the 1960s, when Pakistan Television first began broadcasting, Tariq Aziz was one of the hosts.
His deep, commanding voice, perfect pronunciation, and magnetic screen presence made him the face of the state-run channel and set the bar for airing shows.

Neelam Ghar: A Legacy That Goes Beyond TV.
When Neelam Ghar came out in 1974, Tariq Aziz became a well-known name. It was a game show that later turned into the Tariq Aziz Show.
It ran for more than forty years and was a big part of how people in Pakistan enjoyed entertainment.
The show featured general information questions, cultural questions, and humorous banter.
It was both fun and educational, and people from all walks of life were able to win gifts and receive recognition.
He is known for his unique style, which was summed up in the famous line “Dekhti Aankhon, Sun’tay Kaanon Ko Tariq Aziz ka Salam.”
Even though there are now numerous private channels and internet platforms in the media world, Neelam Ghar remains the best quiz show in Pakistan.
A Man with Many Skills.
Tariq Aziz was an actor in movies, a poet, a politician, and a generous person, but he is most widely known for his work on TV.
In the 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in several Pakistani movies, including Salgira, Insaniyat, and Haar Gaya Insaan. These movies showcased his versatility.
He was also elected as a Member of the National Assembly in 1997. As a public figure, he leveraged his fame to draw attention to issues such as education, culture, and his community’s responsibilities.
Urdu poetry and writing were of great importance to Aziz. He often used quotes from Ghalib and Iqbal in his shows.
His knowledge, particularly in ancient poetry and Islamic history, added academic depth to his public persona.
Be humble, show grace, and be patriotic.
Even though Tariq Aziz was very famous, he stayed humble and grounded. He loved his country very much and left everything he owned to the Government of Pakistan in his will.
When this act was made public after he had died, it shocked everyone and showed how much he loved his country.
“What I have earned and learned belongs to Pakistan,” he said one time. These words didn’t just hold meaning for Tariq Aziz; they were his philosophy.
A Nation Remembers the Fifth Anniversary of His Death.
On this day in 2020, Pakistan lost a very important person. After five years, his influence can still be felt in every old rerun, every quiz show, and every home where people used to watch Neelam Ghar together.
In the year 2025, tributes, old videos, and sad messages from fans and coworkers are all over social media.
“Tariq Aziz: A Voice That Echoes Still,” a special documentary on PTV, features never-before-seen footage, interviews with his peers, and offers insights into his influence on culture.
Seminars are being held at schools and universities to discuss his efforts to improve education and foster public conversation.
The Ministry of Information and Culture announced earlier this year that the “Tariq Aziz Cultural Academy” would open in Lahore. This is another way that his memory is being kept alive.
The Voice That Will Never Die.
At a time when numbers are more important than quality on TV, Tariq Aziz is a timeless example of honesty and intelligence in broadcasting.
His life story is not only one of business success but also one of exceptional service to his country.
Someone like Tariq Aziz could make a room quiet, not because people were scared, but because they admired him.
Pakistan will never forget him for the way he spoke, laughed, and acted. He was more than just a host to millions of people; he was a guide, an inspiration, and a voice of reason.
Last Thoughts.
Today is the fifth anniversary of Tariq Aziz’s death. It makes us think of the things he stood for: knowledge, respect, patriotism, and humility.
He taught us that service, sincerity, and depth are what genuinely make someone great in a time of instant fame and fleeting fads.
Although Tariq Aziz has passed away, his powerful, soulful, and recognisable voice lives on in the hearts of a grateful nation.
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