HRCP expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Aslam Azhar

In a condolence statement, the Commission said: “The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) joins the nation in mourning the loss of Aslam Azhar, whose many distinctions included heading the Pakistan Television (PTV). It is indeed the passing of a cultural era; of a renaissance man –gifted, talented, multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional. He had a rare knack for spotting and nurturing talent and encouraged everyone whose life he touched to not accept anything without questioning.

“Not only was Aslam Azhar PTV’s guiding spirit and driving force, from policy-setting, management and administration,to all aspects of conceptualizing and producing the then-live telecasts, in the pre-recording and pre-digital era, he also continued to mentor young talent, in all professional art forms, long after his retirement.

“His love of classic literature, both prose and poetry, in Urdu and English, also encompassed the contemporary revolutionary progressive poets and authors. But it was his recitation in his deep, melodious, made-for-theatre-radio-and-television voice, which captivated audiences across the spectrum.

“His acting talent made him the mainstay of the Karachi Arts Theatre Society (KATS) and Dastak, along with his radio broadcasting, before the advent of television. He produced bold plays of resistance during the regime of General Zia-ul Haq.

“As a family, he and his spouse Nasreen, inculcated in their daughter Omaima, and sons Osama and Arieb, the commitment to uphold their progressive world view and their egalitarian, pluralist
values.

“Aslam Azhar paid the price for not compromising on his integrity and principles during the
Zia-ul-Haq military dictatorship, particularly the right and freedom of expression, free speech, and freedom from censorship. He was far removed from personal gain and greed, and remained so until his passing. Very few come this honest any more.

“Rest in peace Aslam Azhar!”