KARACHI: Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi organised condolence reference in memory of Vice President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi and former Director General of Pakistan Television Athar Waqar Azeem. 

Notable figures including President Arts Council Karachi Ahmed Shah, Zaheer Khan, Amjad Shah, Tajdar Adeel, anchor Yahya Khan, Secretary Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Ejaz Farooqi, Iqbal Latif, Ayub Sheikh, Nadir Azeem, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Shahida Shoaib, Asif Ansari, Misbah, Ameen Memon, Qamar Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, Matloob Rizvi and Sohail Hashmi attended event. Akhtar Waqar Azeem spoke via telephone, while Huma Mir performed duties of moderator. Athar Waqar Azeem’s life was commemorated with showreel at beginning of event.  

Ahmed Shah said Athar was like an older brother and close friend. He recalled how he and Anwar Maqsood, along with musician Arshad Mahmood, would often sit with Athar every fifteen days. He mentioned that he never heard Athar speak ill of anyone and shared deep emotional bond with him.  Athar’s doors were always open to everyone. He noted that while many perceived him as serious, he was quite opposite, showing keen interest in sports and often stating that “Watching cricket match on TV is more enjoyable than being in stadium.” He is always ready to help others.   Zaheer Khan remarked on pivotal role Pakistan Television played in their success, noting that they never allowed conflicts among themselves. He emphasised that PTV was instrumental in educating them about what it means to be producer, providing hybrid of entertainment programming that fostered learning opportunities.  Renowned poet Tajdar Adeel spoke of loving relationship he had with Athar, describing him as stylish individual. Nadir is Nadir Waqar Azeem for all of us.  PTV General Manager Amjad Shah referred to Athar as person of immense stature, highlighting that he always encouraged good work and had a nurturing demeanor, even when reprimanding. Athar Waqar Azeem taught us what it means to be sports producer.” Nadir Azeem expressed gratitude to Arts Council and other attendees.  He stated that his father was always pillar of support for others, he carried an entire era with him.

He never compromised on his principles and always followed through on what he said. Although I didn’t spend lot of time with him, every moment I did spend together, I learned something valuable.”  Renowned anchor Yahya Hussain shared his connection with Athar in context of sports, noting that Athar was always in background, promoting talented individuals in front of camera. He remarked that it is very easy to appear on TV, but being famous is difficult nowadays. Iqbal Latif described Athar as gentle person, capable of delivering even harshest messages softly. He was man of love. Nadir must have to reach greatness of his father while member of governing body Dr. Ayub Sheikh, stated that Athar Waqar Azeem never relied on anyone during difficult times. He was as significant figure on screen but not part of screen. “Ceremony concluded with heartfelt prayer led by Shakeel Khan.”