Veteran news anchor Ishrat Fatima has recently disclosed the reasons behind her leaving Radio Pakistan and she has expressed deep disappointment on the way she was treated in the organisation.
In a Vlog she said that she is in great pain, she was repeatedly made to feel like she does not matter and no longer needed. Ishrat, further added that she waited a long time for things to change or become better but they didn’t.
Ishrat Fatima became the face of Pakistan Television’s (PTV) 9 pm Urdu news program Khabarnama in the 80s and 90s. Her career in broadcasting had started even earlier at Radio Pakistan where she was appointed host of popular program Khel aur Khiladi while she was still in school.
Originally trying out for a weather segment at PTV, she was instead chosen for news, which was the start of her long running television career.
Known for her poise, elegance and command over the Urdu language, Fatima won recognition from all quarters for being able to deliver news with high confidence and grace.
Her simple clothes and signature diamond nose-ring became a part of her memorable on-screen persona.
In an interview with a top English language newspaper, she described the work that went into her acquired first-class delivery, explaining that it took a large component of time on rehearsal and fact-checking every story before going in front of the camera.
“I always made sure that I rehearsed and checked the facts before coming on screen,” she said.
Her dedication and professionalism made an impression on viewers to this day, who admired her dominance on-screen and the credibility she lent to news presentation.
Despite her fabled marketing in the Pakistan Broadcasting circles, Ishrat Fatima’s exit points to the struggles of talented professionals, even in an institution where they helped shape the legacy of the broadcasting industry.
Also read: Rumours regarding PTV legendary anchor Ishrat Saqib debunked
