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.