close
Thursday March 28, 2024

Rich tributes paid to legendary broadcaster

By Aijaz Gul
July 23, 2016

Agha Nasir

Islamabad

SAFMA (South Asia Free Media Association) held a condolence reference to pay tribute to Agha Nasir on Thursday.

Agha Nasir who passed away on July 12, was a man who carried much in TV, radio, film, arts, literature and poetry.

A number of distinguished speakers paid rich tributes to a man who belonged to them and everyone. They brought out the virtues this gentleman carried all his life.

SAFMA chief Imtiaz Alam spoke about Agha Nasir's excellence in all fields of media, literature and arts. He said they do not carve out people like Agha Nasir anymore. Generation after generation of youngsters learnt the craft and technique of radio and TV from him-the art of broadcasting (the language, the rhythm, the delivery).With job, professional engagements and the rest, Agha Nasir was still able to take out time to publish over half-a-dozen books over the last few years on television, drama and poetry of Faiz (and under what circumstances and situations, Faiz wrote those poems). He was presently working on his autobiography.

Imtiaz Alam said that Agha Nasir was a friend and colleague who always provided space for new talent and groomed their capabilities in radio, then TV and finally at a university. He travelled worldwide to share his experiences at international media conferences arranged by ABU, AIBD and CBA. Freedom of expression remained precious for Agha Nasir and it was his forte.

Speakers one after another recalled their close associations going back to the sixties and seventies.

Fakhar Abbas from Radio Pakistan recalled his associations when Agha Nasir took over as Director General Radio Pakistan. Even when the going was rough in touch times, Agha Nasir encouraged the radio staff not to give up and be strong with commitments and new ideas. Agha Nasir's best came on radio with his drama. Fakhar Abbas concluded with a couplet

"Zamana barey shouq sey saun raha tha

Hamee sou gaey dastaan kehtey kehtey"

Ashfaq Saleem Mirza in his valuable comments spoke about values Agha Nasir carried in his professional life: discipline, commitment and encouraging new ideas. He kept associations both institutions and individuals.

Fouzia Saeed, DG, Lok Virsa, met Agha Nasir h when she staged and recorded a play at his house (courtyard) and then on wards, he always used to ask her ‘Theatre veter kesa chal raha hai.’ He joined her celebrations at Lok Virsa in March 2015, coming from hospital, and going back to hospital after celebrations. He carried those kind of traditional commitments. Agha Nasir gave her manuscript of his book on TV for her feedback. Fouzia recalled interesting incidents and anecdotes Agha had included for the book. Agha sahab's wife Mrs Safia Nasir has been a source of strength and encouragement for Agha Nasir, particularly for his literary endeavours.

Pervaiz Rasheed, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage said it was difficult for him to put his thoughts in words on Agha sahab. Even after his demise, it seems he is with us. The minister said he had heard much about Agha Nasir prior to his first meeting when Pervaiz Rasheed was Chairman PTV. Agha Nasir was capable to play around with words and do his job even with restrictions around. When he met Agha Nasir for the first time, all Agha Nasir talked about was improvement in TV. Sixteen years later when Pervaiz Rasheed became the Minister and met Agha, the later still talked about new ideas for television. Agha wanted the best for TV without any designations or monetary rewards.

Journalist Fouzia Shahid concluded the condolence reference by recalling her experience of forty years as a journalist and how she always found Agha Nasir a person who cared for well-being of others. He was disciplined, hardworking and knew everything about medium of radio and TV.

aijazzgul@gmail.com