Veteran broadcaster Ishrat Fatima is set to return to Pakistan Television (PTV) as a mentor for emerging newscasters and broadcasters, following a request from Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
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Tarar announced her return on Thursday during a visit to her residence in Islamabad, accompanied by Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil, Media Coordinator to the Prime Minister Badar Shahbaz, and Principal Information Officer Mubashir Hassan.
Speaking to media, the minister expressed gratitude to the iconic broadcaster for accepting his request, noting that her decades of experience would play a vital role in training the next generation of newsreaders.
Minister for Information @TararAttaullah visited residence of legendary broadcaster Ishrat Fatima in Islamabad today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister paid rich tribute to Ishrat Fatima’s meritorious services to field of broadcasting, spanning more than four decades#News… pic.twitter.com/lQnudtMnvw
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 15, 2026
“She is a seasoned newscaster with an illustrious career,” Tarar said, adding that “every Pakistani identified her voice” during her long service. He further highlighted that Fatima brought over four and a half decades of broadcasting expertise, retaining professional integrity without political association.
Tarar revealed that he had personally requested her to rejoin PTV following her retirement from Radio Pakistan, specifically to help promote Urdu language standards and strengthen institutional training at the national broadcaster.
Fatima welcomed the opportunity, describing news reading as her “lifelong passion.” She thanked the minister for entrusting her with the responsibility and expressed eagerness to guide young broadcasters.
“I look forward to teaching the younger generation and contributing to the betterment of the institution,” she said, urging the government to continue supporting capable professionals across sectors.
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Tarar hinted at a formal welcome and “a surprise” planned for her return as part of a broader initiative to reinvigorate PTV and revive its prestige.
Fatima remains widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most distinguished voices, having shaped standards for radio and television broadcasting over several decades.