Senior journalist Talat Aslam passes away

Politicians, colleagues remember veteran journalist for his impeccable editing, wit and kindness

Senior journalist and political analyst, Talat Aslam passed away on Wednesday at the age of 67.

Aslam was a veteran journalist with a career spanning many publications, including Herald and The News.

He remained a dedicated advocate of human rights. Even in his final tweets Aslam did not shy away form sharing his bold opinions on Twitter, where he was known for his witty takes on social issues and enjoyed a considerable following.

Following the news of his sudden demise, condolences poured in on social media, particularly from journalists, politicians and activists.

Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman shared a heartfelt tweet saying that they had met "at the Herald, where he was the anchor even though I [Sherry Rehman] was his boss. But he made us all his family, right to the end, wherever we were in life".

Feels like heart 💔will burst with grief upon hearing that old friend, veteran journalist @titojourno just passed away.He was the kindest, funniest,wittiest, warmest soul in the whole world. His life was never easy, but he always bore all with a smile. May u be smiling now Tito pic.twitter.com/LseJFYNCKV

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 25, 2022

Talat Aslam was not just an old-school journalist, with the highest integrity, he was a seasoned English-language editor. Our journey mingled at the Herald,where he was anchor even tho I was his boss.But he made us all his family,right to the end,wherever we were in life. https://t.co/ve1iXAxthK

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 25, 2022

 

Senior anchorperson Hamid Mir also offered his condolences to Aslam's grieving family and friends.

Sad news. May Allah rest the soul of Talat Aslam in peace. My condolences to Imran Aslam and his friends & family https://t.co/VcDvf9jzZi

— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) May 25, 2022

 

Journalist Munizae Jahangir recalled him as a “sophisticated gentle soul who had a sound knowledge of Pakistan's history”.

Saddened by the demise of Talat Aslam, a sophisticated gentle soul who had a sound knowledge of Pakistan's history.https://t.co/MO8b9WPAOz

— Munizae Jahangir (@MunizaeJahangir) May 25, 2022

 

Murtaza Solangi said Aslam brought “intellect, integrity, courage, solidarity, wit, smiles and laughter in our lives”.

Goodbye my comrade!
You brought intellect, integrity, courage, solidarity, wit, smiles and laughter in our lives. You shall be missed.#TalatAslam pic.twitter.com/JDOAYvfPHw

— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) May 25, 2022

 

Senior journalist Abbas Nasir also bid adieu to his friend and colleague.

So long, @titojourno. Seems like it was yesterday we met. Was nearly forty years ago. Fresh out of uni and starting out as journos. You were the best.

— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) May 25, 2022

 

Hasan Zaidi remembered Aslam as his closest friend and mentor. “I learnt most about journalism from him,” he said.

Devastated by the news this morning. @titojourno was my closest friend, mentor and sounding board for the past 30 years. After my father, I learnt most about journalism from him. I took this pic of Tito in Thatta, some time in the mid-1990s. Fare you well, my friend. pic.twitter.com/YP4BhPL9iK

— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) May 25, 2022

 

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also expressed "deep sadness" over the veteran journalists demise.

HRCP is deeply saddened to hear that senior journalist Talat Aslam @titojourno has passed away. He will be remembered for his wit and warmth, and for mentoring scores of young journalists. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and @thenews_intl colleagues.

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 25, 2022