Tag: Muhammad Ziauddin

  • Arieb Azhar shares memories of instrument maker Muhammad Ziauddin

    Arieb Azhar shares memories of instrument maker Muhammad Ziauddin

    Muhammad Ziauddin, Lahore’s master musical instrument manufacturer, has passed away. He was known for his skill in making instruments and for preserving culture. The news of his death was shared by famous musician Arieb Azhar on Facebook. Azhar praised Ziauddin’s special personality, wisdom, and his role in keeping Pakistan’s musical traditions alive.

    Azhar wrote on Facebook, “I just found out that the great instrument maker from Lahore, Muhammad Ziauddin, passed away four days ago. He was a unique personality, full of wisdom and humor.”

    Azhar continued to pay tribute, saying, “On many occasions, I spent hours at his shop listening to his stories and jokes, and learning from his deep knowledge about Pakistan’s musical traditions. He was a master at making Sitar, Sarod, Sarangi, and Surmandal, along with other stringed instruments. His family has been crafting instruments for 300 years.”

    Many people, like Azhar, were lucky enough to spend hours at Ziauddin’s shop. There, they didn’t just admire his instruments but also enjoyed his stories, jokes, and wide knowledge of Pakistan’s music. Ziauddin put his all into his craft, showing his dedication by pouring his heart and soul into every instrument he made.

    Azhar also said, “He was a key figure in our film ‘Indus Blues,’ which is about the endangered musical instruments of Pakistan. Despite receiving a Presidential award, he couldn’t even own the shop he worked in. These are the people our country should invest in and support to bring back a culture of decency and beauty in the world.”

    In his tribute, Azhar expressed sadness over the lack of support for artisans like Ziauddin. He stressed the importance of the government investing in and supporting people like him to revive and keep Pakistan’s cultural heritage alive. Ziauddin’s death isn’t just a loss for his family and the music world, but also a reminder of how crucial it is to acknowledge and preserve the contributions of such individuals. Azhar said, “Our country has lost a precious person, and many don’t even realize it.” He ended by saying, “His son Kashan continues his father’s legacy. May Ziauddin Sahab’s journey be blessed forever!”

  • Veteran journalist Muhammad Ziauddin passes away at 83 after prolonged illness

    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.”

    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.”

    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.”

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

    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.”

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

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

    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!”

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

    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.”