Senior journalists, political leaders and media figures gathered at the National Press Club Islamabad to pay tribute to Tariq Warisi, former resident editor of multiple leading Urdu newspapers. Speakers described Tariq Warisi as more than an individual name; he was an era in journalism whose commitment to truth and integrity set a standard for the profession.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Tariq Warisi’s career provided a guiding light for others, noting that standing by honesty and truth in both politics and journalism is essential. He prayed that the honour and stature Tariq Warisi earned in this life be granted to him in the hereafter as well.
PFUJ president Afzal Butt welcomed the National Press Club’s tradition of holding condolence references for departed senior members and observed that true greatness in the profession is confirmed by the testimony of colleagues. IIUJ president Tariq Ali Wark highlighted Tariq Warisi’s invaluable services to the field, calling him an institution during the golden era of print media.
National Press Club president Azhar Jatoi said the club never forgets its members and described Tariq Warisi as a shining star of journalism whose presence will continue to inspire. Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, who conducted the proceedings, praised Tariq Warisi’s lifelong service to journalism and called him a name that represents an age of principled reporting.
Several senior journalists recalled Tariq Warisi’s calm temperament and steady leadership, especially during the difficult years of Ziaul Haq’s martial law when he carried editorial responsibilities with courage. Javed Siddiq and Aziz Alvi emphasized the magnitude of the loss to both the newsroom and society, saying his absence will be hard to fill and that he served as a university-like mentor to juniors.
Speakers also shared lesser known details about Tariq Warisi’s background, noting his family’s connection to the traditional craft of calligraphy. The condolence reference included prayers for his elevation in the hereafter offered by governing body member Izhar Khan Niazi and expressions of gratitude from NPC vice president Sahar Aslam to all who attended.
Other participants included M Javed, Shakeela Jaleel, Aamir Sajad Syed, Abid Abbasi, NPC joint secretary Javed Bhagat, All Pakistan Media Council’s Sardar Khurram, NHA’s Sabtain Lodhi, NPC governing body member Majid Afsar, and Naveed Ahmad Sheikh. Together they remembered Tariq Warisi’s steadfast pursuit of truth and his lasting influence on Pakistani journalism.
