End of an era: Nation mourns Zubaida Apa's demise

'She was all heart, always', tweeted Mahira Khan

Beloved TV personality Zubaida Apa breathed her last on Thursday in Karachi.

The news of her demise broke late last night and many are still having a hard time digesting the pensive news. Zubaida Tariq came to prominence in the late 90s due to her recipes and home remedies or totkas. She was regarded as a cooking mentor and thousands of people learned cooking by watching her shows.

So hard to believe that Zubaida aapa is no more in this world. Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Ellahe Rajiyoon

— سید شہباز حیدر (@curlybaatein) January 5, 2018

Her brother and famed writer, Anwar Maqsood confirmed the heartbreaking news, as he told the media,  “Zubaida Apa passed away after brief illness. Her funeral will be held at Sultan Masjid [in DHA area of Karachi] after Friday prayers."

A string of celebs and noted personalities expressed their condolences on Twitter.

Mahira Khan:

Known her since I was a little girl.. she was all heart, always. Rest In Peace Zubaida Khala.

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) January 4, 2018

Mawra Hocane:

Your Sarees, your spices, your Totkas.. Rest in Peace #ZubaidaAapa ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/jmmGxXMdwB

— MAWRA HUSSAIN (@MawraHocane) January 4, 2018

Fakhr-e-Alam:

Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of Zubaida Appa....prayers for the departed soul...a household motherly figure who will be missed a lot. #ZubaidaAapa

— Fakhr-e-Alam S.I & S.E (@falamb3) January 4, 2018

Shaista Lodhi:

Zubaida Aapa u were such a motherly soul. Will always remember ur kindness, genuineness and simplicity.

May Allah grant her highest place in Jannah. Ameen pic.twitter.com/USu0d7zwa1

— Dr. Shaista Lodhi (@IamShaistaLodhi) January 4, 2018

Dino Ali:

RIP #ZubaidaApa and thank you for everything Allah pak inhe janat ul firdous main jaga dain .Ameen pic.twitter.com/pocLdl3iWF

— Dino Ali (@iDinoAli) January 4, 2018

Model Rabia Butt:

Another leaf has fallen from this tree of life. Just heard this heartbreaking news of #Zubaidaappa. May Allah bless her with eternal peace and of highest rank in Jannah. Ameen.

— Rabia Butt (@Iamrabiabutt) January 4, 2018

Maya Ali:

Log chaley jaatey hain bass yaadein reh jaati hain... May ALLAH give her the highest rank in Jannah Ameen... #zubaidaapa #RestInPeace

— Maya Ali (@mayaali07) January 4, 2018

Mishi Khan:

Unbelievable I still can't believe that my dearest #ZubaidaApa has left us. My heart will always treasure the memories I have with her while working together. Inna lillahe waina illehe rajeoon. May her soul rest in peace. Ameen

— Mishi khan (@mishilicious) January 4, 2018

Umer Sharif:

https://twitter.com/shariifumer/status/949100083374673920

Author Saba Imtiaz:

https://twitter.com/SabaImtiaz/status/949125582310092800

Many politicians and activists including Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took to social media to mourn the national icon

Deeply saddened by the news of passing away of renowned chef & a great human being Zubaida Apa. She was a household name, thanks to her amazing expertise in cooking. May Allah Almighty bless her soul in peace and grant patience to her family!

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 4, 2018

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb also expressed deep condolences on the death of Zubaida Apa.

"Zubaida Apa was known for her unique cooking show. She will be remembered for her discipline and talent as a chef. She also inculcated positive attitudes in the youth of the country," said Aurangzeb in a statement on Friday.

Saddened to learn about Zubaida Apa's death. My deepest condolences to her brother Anwar Maqsood and her family. May Allah bless the departed soul

— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) January 4, 2018

Condolences to the family of Zubeda Apa. Like millions of Pakistani knew her through television. Always had a very warm and graceful presence. May God bless her soul. pic.twitter.com/m49I0cGP7L

— M. Jibran Nasir 🇵🇸 (@MJibranNasir) January 5, 2018

Dr Yasmin Rashid from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) called her a "treasure trove of household tips and cooking"

Grieved to hear of the demise of #ZubaidaApa
Prayers for her and her family.

A treasure trove of household tips and cooking, she leaves behind a gaping void. pic.twitter.com/aIqPfjG7M9

— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) January 4, 2018

Minister