Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passes away at 83 after prolonged illness

Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passed away on Monday in Islamabad after a period of prolonged illness. He was 83.

Ziauddin had a career span of 60 years in journalism. He earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from Karachi University in 1964. Later that same year, he made his entry in the profession.

One of the most respected names in journalism, Ziauddin worked at almost all the major newspapers of the country—The Muslim, The News, Dawn, The Express Tribune.

Many people paid tribute to Ziauddin after the news of his death was confirmed. 

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted, “One of the most capable fiercely independent journalist I came across with has left for his final abode #Ziauddin was no commoner a wise man—integrity and boldness added to his personality.”

One of the most capable fiercely independent journalist I came across with has left for his final abode #Ziauddin was no commoner a wise man—integrity and boldness added to his personality… you will be missed Zia sb… RIP

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 29, 2021

Afrasiab Khattak tweeted: “The death of iconic journalist Ziauddin sahib is a huge loss to journalism in Pakistan. He maintained professional standards and integrity under under circumstances when it wasn’t easy to do so.”

The death of iconic journalist Ziauddin sahib is a huge loss to journalism in Pakistan. He maintained professional standards and integrity under under circumstances when it wasn’t easy to do so. The departed soul may rest in peace.

— Afrasiab Khattak (@a_siab) November 29, 2021

Abbas Nasir tweeted: “An iconic journalist; a personal friend of 35 years; a senior who was generous with his counsel and love; and a giant who stood up to autocrats for over 50 years.”

Waking up to the devastating news Ziauddin Sahab is gone. An iconic journalist; a personal friend of 35 years; a senior who was generous with his counsel and love; and a giant who stood up to autocrats for over 50 years. I am so much the poorer for his loss. Rest in peace, Sir.

— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) November 29, 2021

Mubahsir Zaidi tweeted, “Icon of Pakistani journalism Mohammed Ziauddin dies.”

Icon of Pakistani journalism Mohammed Ziauddin dies early morning according to his family #RIP #Ziauddin

— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) November 29, 2021

Journalist Nasim Zehra tweeted, “One of Pakistan’s leading illustrious old guard experienced and widely respected journalist, former Editor of Dawn & the News; currently a columnist with Express Tribune #MZiauddin sahib passes away.”

One of Pakistan’s leading illustrious old guard experienced and widely respected journalist, former Editor of Dawn & the News ; currently a columnist with Express Tribune #MZiauddin sahib passes away. Inna LilllaHaey Wa’Inna Illahaey Rajjaoun. Prayers for loved ones left behind.

— Nasim Zehra (@NasimZehra) November 29, 2021

Journalist Hamid shared a picture of Ziauddin and tweeted, “I always told #Ziauddin sahib ‘your experience in journalism is equal to my age’.”

I always told #Ziauddin sahib “your experience in journalism is equal to my age”. In this picture (New York 1996 )he is in centre,late Irshad Ahmad Haqqani(Editor Jang)Shaheen Sehbai, Ziauddin,Ch Ghulam Hussain,late Farooq Mazhar(editor The News) Hamid Mir( Editor Daily Pakistan) pic.twitter.com/ltYwK73ZIk

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) November 29, 2021

Journalist Khurram Husain tweeted, “Deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Zia saab. He was grace, dignity, and professionalism personified.”

Deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Zia saab. He was grace, dignity and professionalism personified. RIP @MuhammadZiauddi saab, you will be missed by many.

— Khurram Husain (@KhurramHusain) November 29, 2021

Journalist Murtaza Solangi tweeted, “#Ziauddin lived his life on his terms, his values and his principles. He did not waver and vacillate on his progressive and democratic ethos for a single day. His over half a century work is a compass in our dark days and nights. Goodbye my comrade!”

#Ziauddin lived his life on his terms, his values and his principles. He did not waver and vacillate on his progressive and democratic ethos for a single day. His over half a century work is a compass in our dark days and nights. Goodbye my comrade! You shall not be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/w8v9CTRpZ4

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) November 29, 2021

Journalist Shahbaz Rana tweeted how Ziauddin had taught him “to keep emotions separate from the noble cause” of journalism.

Mohammad Ziauddin sb was an institution in himself. A man of principles, integrity and wisdom. He served journalism more than anything in his life. I was lucky to work under him. He taught me to keep emotions separate from the noble cause. Rest In Peace sir.#ziauddinupdate

— Shahbaz Rana (@81ShahbazRana) November 29, 2021

Journalist Amber Shamsi tweeted, “Gutted to learn Ziauddin sb is no more. A fine gentleman and a finer journalist, who was so accessible and willing to teach.”

Gutted to lean Ziauddin sb is no more. A fine gentleman and a finer journalist, who was so accessible and willing to teach.

Here is a wonderful piece on his life by ⁦@Tribunian⁩

Muhammad Ziauddin, a life in journalism – SAMAA https://t.co/CsPHctO4Ek

— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) November 29, 2021