Shaista Zaid last bulletin on PTV News 1969-2012

When PTV started regular broadcasts in 1964, the news show was among the limited transmissions. To add a friendlier face and an English news broadcast for those not speaking the native Urdu, Shaista Zaid started on the national terrestrial network in 1969. On Friday, July 20, 2012, she sat in her last broadcast.

Her retirement news, however, did not make it to the social media site Twitter until Monday, when those who had been influenced by her crisp and clear delivery of news during their young days, chanced on a clip of her last bulletin on YouTube.

What ensued was a mass of emotion, paying rich tribute to what some described her as an “institution”, a teacher, apart from the pack of newscasters and show hosts that one sees on television today. She will be missed.

Here is what some people had to say of Shaista Zaid’s illustrious career.

AR Rafiq

What Walter Cronkite was to CBS Nightly, Shaista Zaid is to PTV Nightly News

Shaista Hussain

“@HumaImtiaz: End of an era -- Shaista Zaid's last bulletin on PTV/ she was also an inspiring teacher!

Ahmed Zulfiqar

so THAT's what her name is...goodbye and good luck Shaista Zaid. #EndOfAnEra

Mansoor Ali Khan

It was an honor to watch Shaista Zaid's last bulletin. Her grace and elegance unmatched for those 43 years when she remained on-air.

Ali Dayan Hasan

Shaista Zaid speaks flawless English in a standard PAKISTANI accent - not a Texan drawl nor a Birmingham lilt. Thank you for that. #PTV

Tuba

Shaista Zaid is one of those ladies that inspired me. Strong personality with a great fashion sense. the way she carry herself is flawless.

Shiraz Hassan

When I was in 4th class in school my tea cher asked me to watch Shaista Zaid's news bulletins to improve English. Must Respect.

Shaikh Rafia

WOW. I happened to watch TV after years and switched to PTV and there was she, Shaista Zaid. Have been mimicking her since my birth.

محمد عامر اظہر

Finally we are giving tribute to the living Legends RT @akchishti Shaista Zaid's last bulletin on ptvnews 1969-2012

Syeda Saira Basit

@jahanarawattoo Ms Shaista Zaid was my teacher and no doubt one of the best teacher of mine ever... #Shaistzaid

AliNawazMalik ‏@lsemalik

The legend, the institution Ptv's most respected news caster Ms. Shaista Zaid signing off her last bulletin. Solute Mam