Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passed away on Monday morning after a prolonged illness at the age of 83. Ziauddin was admitted to a hospital in Islamabad earlier this month. State TV Pakistan Television (PTV) paid tribute to the deceased for his ‘illustrious career’.
In his career spanning 60 years, he worked at Dawn, Express Tribune among other publications. Ziauddin made his entry in journalism in 1964 as a trainee reporter at Pakistan Press International (PPI).
Journalists and politicians took to Twitter to pay glowing tribute to the deceased, with many describing his passing as ‘end of an era’.
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
Sad news of passing away of Ziauddin Sb. Among the last of titans in journalism. A thorough professional he possessed grit, substance & character but never sought applause. The trophies & medals he won are intangible. Unlike the medals worn on chests they never gather dust. RIP
— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) November 29, 2021
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 (@HamidMirPAK) November 29, 2021
Knew Ziauddin sb from very first days in journalism – when I was at Dawn in the late 1990s he was the paper's main economics correspondent based out of ISB – then became Res Editor ISB – & he never had any airs that many senior sahafi bhai log tend to have – always ready to guide
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) November 29, 2021
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
Veteran and one of the most outstanding journalist of Pakistan M. Ziauddin Ahmad has passed away. He was an iconic figure and a guide for all the young journalists. May Allah give his family strength to bear the loss.
— Mazhar Abbas (@MazharAbbasGEO) November 29, 2021
One of the most credible, capable and principled editors, a thorough gentleman and a very dear friend Mohammed Ziauddin passed away at 7.30 am today in Islamabad. He fought for over five decades for people’s rights, democracy, media freedom, peace and enlightenment. My Tributes pic.twitter.com/auB3gcGnLN
— Imtiaz Alam (@ImtiazAlamSAFMA) November 29, 2021
