Broadcasting legend Azeem Sarwar tributed on death anniversary

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The legendary broadcaster Azeem Sarwar was showered with lavish praise by personalities of eminence in a panel discussion, organized by the USA-based Asia Tribune TV, to mark his fourth death anniversary on September 12. 

Azeem Sarwar, acknowledged as the greatest-ever radio personality of the country, had passed away after a brief illness at Karachi in 2021 which brought to an end the most distinguished broadcasting career, which spanned a staggering 63 years which must be something of an international record. 

His former colleagues and prodigies, now spread in different continents, assembled digitally to recall his extraordinary talents and achievements in what turned out to be an enlightening meeting on Zoom to mark his death anniversary befittingly. 

Ariful Haq Arif and Neelofar Abbasi from USA, Sardar Khan from Canada, and Ehsan Qureshi and Syed Khalid Mahmood from Pakistan spoke during the session which was moderated by Arif Afzal Usmani. A recorded message of Samiullah Khan was also shared on the occasion. 

In the comprehensive opening remarks, Arif Afzal Usmani of Asia Tribune TV, who was also one of the founders of Aalami Sports Round-up which went on air for the first time in June 1985, threw light on many incredible facets of Azeem Sarwar’s amazing career.

Noted journalist and one of his illustrious contemporaries, Ariful Haq Arif, recalled his long and close association with Azeem Sarwar which lasted more than half a century. He described him as an icon of Radio Pakistan who made the country proud with his accomplishments. 

Renowned actress Neelofar Abbasi, read out a chapter of her book she has authored about luminaries of the country, as she highlighted the towering contribution of Azeem Sarwar, particularly in the role of a playwright, broadcasting, production which brought glories for Radio Pakistan. 

Ehsan Qureshi, Syed Khalid Mahmood and Sardar Khan, all of whom were a part of the famed Radio programme Aalami Sports Round-up, which was conceived and produced by Azeem Sarwar, paid glowing tributes, describing him as their mentor who helped them enormously in transforming their careers in sports journalism. 

Olympian Samiullah Khan, a former Pakistan hockey captain, also spoke very highly about the personality of Azeem Sarwar, whose distinct voice charmed everyone. 

Greenwich University bids farewell to Turkish diplomat

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University warmly bid farewell to Dr Cemal Sangu, an eminent Turkish diplomat and its own alumnus, in a graceful reception held in his honour at its campus in Karachi. 

The event marked a befitting celebration of his academic and diplomatic journey with the university community and significant contributions during his tenure. 

The evening brought together a prestigious gathering of diplomats, dignitaries, and esteemed guests including, Dewanto Priyokusumo, Acting Consul General of Indonesia, Surashete Boontinand, Consul General of Indonesia, Abdullah Jumah Al Harbi, Vice Consul General of Oman, Dr Saeid Talebi Nia, Director Iran Culture Centre, Maher Mjhid Jejan, Consul General of Iraq, Nakagawa Yasushi, Vice Consul General of Japan and Sertan Yuce, Country Head of Turkish Airlines. 

On this occasion, a documentary was screened on Dr Cemal Sangu's visit to the campus followed by an album launch titled ‘Dr Cemal Sangu’s Journey at Greenwich University’ which were warmly applauded by the august gathering. 

In a touching interactive session, the Chancellor of Greenwich University, Seema Moghal, invited faculty, staff, and students to share their experience, anecdotes, and heartfelt moments with Dr Sangu. 

Seema Moghal acknowledged that they felt privileged and honoured for Dr Cemal Sangu having achieved his PhD from their Greenwich University. 

In an emotionally charged address, Dr Cemal Sangu expressed gratitude for the bonds built at the Greenwich University in particular and the hospitality of Pakistan in general. 

He declared feeling proud to be an alumnus of the Greenwich University, one of the leading educational institutions of Pakistan. 

Dr Cemal Sangu reiterated that Pakistan and Turkiye have deep relations a relation of soul to soul and heart to heart. 

The Provost of the Greenwich University, Dr Naveed Moghal, addressing the gathering said that this farewell is not just a goodbye, but a celebration of friendship, collaboration, and shared growth. 

He highlighted that the Greenwich University has a tradition of academic excellence and international collaboration, welcoming global leaders, diplomats, and thinkers who inspire its community, adding that the farewell of Dr Cemal Sangu was a testament to the university’s enduring commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections.

Veteran journalist Munawar Hussain passes away

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Syed Munawar Hussain Naqvi, a veteran journalist serving as Resident Editor of The Financial Daily International, breathed his last in Islamabad on the morning August 31. He was laid to rest later in the evening in the presence of family members, friends, colleagues, and members of the media fraternity offering his funeral prayers. He was 74. 

He was an elder brother of Manzar Naqvi, Executive Editor of The Financial Daily, having had a long and illustrious career in journalism. He began his professional journey with The Daily Sun, Karachi, before working for The Daily Sun, Lahore, The Daily Muslim, Islamabad, and The Nation, Islamabad. 

Munawwar Naqvi also had a distinguished tenure at the Higher Education Commission (HEC), where he initially served as Editor of Higher Education News and was later promoted to Director Academic, the position he held at the time of his retirement. 

Upon his retirement from the HEC, he returned to the field of journalism, contributing to several leading English newspapers of Pakistan. At The Financial Daily International, he was not only associated as its Resident Editor but was also wrote a widely read weekly column, Capital Watch, which reflected his deep insight on political, social, and economic issues. 

He has left behind his wife, son Abbas Naqvi, and daughter Sadaf Naqvi, who together with his family, colleagues, and friends deeply mourn his loss. 

The Financial Daily International, one of the most respected newspapers of the country, has expressed its profound grief over the loss of its senior colleague, whose legacy will live on for years.