Literary icon Zia Mohyeddin passes away at 91

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Veteran actor, director and television host Zia Mohyeddin passed away at the age of 91 in Karachi on Monday.

It is learnt that Zia Mohyeddin was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi due to fever and severe abdominal pain. It was later found in ultrasound that he was having intestinal issues. He then underwent an operation and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital where he breathed his last.

The funeral prayer of Zia Mohyeddin will be offered at Imambargah Yasrab in Defence Phase 4 after Zuhr prayer.

Profile

Zia Mohyeddin was born on June 20, 1931 in Faisalabad. At a young age, he got an opportunity to act in the famous film Lawrence of Arabia, in which he played a memorable role in 1962. He also hosted a stage programme called ‘Zia Mohyeddin Show’ and he was also awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2012 by the government.

In 2005, Zia Mohyeddin set up the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Karachi. He also wrote books titled ‘A Carrot is a Carrot’, ‘Theatrics and The God of My Idolatry Memories’ and ‘Reflections’.

Zia Mohyeddin’s father had the distinction of being the dialogue writer of Pakistan’s first film Teri Yaad.

Condolences

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the passing of the literary icon and prayed for the departed soul. He also offered condolences to the bereaved family.

In a statement on Monday, he said Zia Mohyeddin’s unique style earned him fame all over the world. “Zia Mohyeddin introduced a new dimension to television hosting in Pakistan and that he earned a good name for the country by acting at international level,” the PM added.

Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi and his family expressed grief over the sad news of Zia Mohyeddin’s death and sent his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.

Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also sent her heartfelt condolences to the late icon’s family.