Legend: Pioneer TV compere’s anniversary marked
Well known for his communication skills, Khan was exceptional for what he did.
Renowned commentator with numerous contributions to the educational secor.
Educationist and compere Prof Laeeq Ahmed Khan’s first death anniversary was observed on Monday.
After a short illness, he passed away last year. As the first live TV commentator and compere, Khan was well-acknowledged for his communication skills especially when it came to the field of current affairs.
He joined Pakistan Television (PTV) in 1964, where he made a mark for himself through a programme “Sanjok”. For 25 years he hosted “Science Magazine” which gained him immense popularity.
His way of presenting a complicated topic, in an easy language understandable to a lay man, was the hallmark of the true educationist.
He was the pioneering TV compere, who also set a trend in anchoring current affairs programmes in the country.
Khan commented live during the Simla Accord and the famous OIC summit in Lahore hosted by President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
He also presented running commentary on the 23rd of March parade for 32 years.
In 1984, he was presented with the award for the best compere, in 1986 for best programme host and in 2001 he was conferred the Pride of Performance award by the President of Pakistan.
Ahmed was also well-known for his valuable contributions to the education sector in Pakistan.
He remained associated with the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore from 1963 to 1974. At Allama Iqbal Open University he established a technical education wing in 1975. He remained in the Ministry of Education till 1992 and retired as an additional secretary.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2015.