Tariq Aziz (TV personality)

This article is about the Pakistani television host. For other uses, see Tariq Aziz (disambiguation).

Tariq Aziz
Born	Tariq Aziz (1936-08-28) August 28, 1936
Nationality	Pakistani
Occupation	Actor, Host
Years active	1964-present
Known for	Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz
Television	Bazm E Tariq Aziz

Tariq Aziz (born on April 28, 1936) is a Pakistani television host known for his work on the general-knowledge quiz show Neelam Ghar, first aired in 1975, later renamed the Tariq Aziz Show and now known as Bazm-e-Tariq Aziz. Aziz was born in Lahore. His family is an Arain family of Jalandhar British India. He received his early education in Sahiwal before starting his career at Radio Pakistan Lahore. When Pakistan started its Television telecast in 1964 from Lahore, Aziz was the first male PTV announcer. He was the first man to be seen on a Pakistan television (PTV) broadcast. Aziz, along with Zeba, starred in "Insaniyat", a Pakistani film. Aziz also starred in another Pakistani film "Haar Gaya Insaan". Aziz has appeared on several local television programs and morning shows. He has also organized telethons for charity purposes. In 1996, Aziz was elected to the National Assembly from Lahore as a member of the Pakistan Muslim League (N)

Entertainment career

Tariq Aziz started his career from Radio Pakistan. He was member of the very first team of Pakistan Television (PTV) when it started its transmission in November 1964 from Lahore. He was the first newscaster on PTV. He also acted in number of Pakistani films in late 60s and 70s in side-roles. One of his famous movies was Saalgirah.

He was one of the first anchors to gain commercial success by using the platform of Neelam Ghar/Tariq Aziz Show. He interviewed many notable intellectuals, sportsperson and celebrities.

Political career

Aziz is an orator par excellence. He mesmerised crowds with his beautiful language and complimented with exemplary memory of poetry. He was active in student politics and had joined Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party in 1970. However, later he parted his ways and went back to glamour world. In 1996, he was elected member of Pakistan National Assembly from Lahore. He has been part of political activists who were charged of attacking Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1997. During President Pervez Musharraf time, he joined Pakistan Muslim League (Q). However he could not attain any status of note and returned to the entertainment industry. However this time his career in entertainment industry could not reach the high of 60s, 70s and 80s.

Aziz is a philanthropist, book-lover and also did well in poetry. His dedication to the country and legendary contributions to entertainment industry is well respected and well known. He has also received numerous awards including the Presidential Pride of Performance Award.