WATCH: Veteran broadcaster Ishrat Fatima bids farewell to Radio Pakistan after 45 years

WEB DESK: After nearly 45 years on the airwaves, veteran broadcaster Ishrat Fatima has stepped away from Radio Pakistan, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable careers in the country’s broadcast history. In her farewell, Fatima expressed gratitude to Allah and her parents, describing the decision to leave as deeply personal and difficult, though she did not provide specific reasons for her departure. No official statement has been released by the broadcaster.

A voice that defined Urdu broadcasting

Colleagues and media professionals quickly paid tribute to Fatima, highlighting her mastery of Urdu diction, her poise, and the integrity she brought to her work. Senior journalist Fauzia Kalsoom Rana took to her social media and reflected on Fatima’s decades-long career as more than a span of years, calling it a collection of memorable moments, key events, and stories that left a lasting mark on both national and international audiences.

Merit, dedication, and lasting influence

Rana emphasised that the respect Fatima earned was built on merit, dedication, and professional ethics rather than connections or recommendations. She noted that working alongside Fatima offered invaluable lessons in journalistic rigor, discipline, and linguistic excellence. Fatima, a Pride of Performance recipient, has long been recognised as a benchmark for Urdu presentation and broadcast professionalism.

A legacy etched in media history

Tributes from across journalistic circles underscore Fatima’s enduring impact on Pakistani media. Her commitment to honesty, clarity, and quality in broadcasting set a standard that aspiring journalists continue to admire. While her departure raises questions about mentorship and continuity in public broadcasting, her voice and influence remain firmly woven into the nation’s media legacy.

Fatima whose humour was also unmatched did not hold back when misinformation about her death was spread across social media, saying that she had loads of chores ahead.