ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s veteran newscaster Ishrat Fatima has rejoined Pakistan Television (PTV) after nearly ten years, officials and media reports said.
She returned to the channel last night, reading the news once again. At the start of the bulletin, a fellow anchor welcomed her as a mentor.
Fatima’s comeback comes after she resigned from Radio Pakistan on January 14 this year. In a social media video statement, she cited lack of proper placement and negative workplace attitudes as reasons for her departure.
“I felt that my services were no longer needed despite long years of dedication,” Fatima said. “News reading is my passion, and an institution gives recognition and purpose. When professional competition is stifled, it sometimes leads to negative practices, which can be painful for a broadcaster.”
She added that financial gain was never her priority. Her focus has always been on quality and integrity in journalism.
Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar praised Fatima’s career, calling her a respected figure in Pakistan’s broadcasting history.
پی ٹی وی نیوز پر معروف براڈکاسٹر عشرت فاطمہ کا طویل وقفے کے بعد پہلا نیوز بلیٹن ۔۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/PXTU4GzvyX
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 22, 2026
“Her nearly 45-year career is a shining example of professional integrity, skill, and national service,” Tarar said. “People across Pakistan know and respect her work.”
The minister said Fatima was invited to PTV to train a new generation of news anchors as a mentor. He highlighted her expertise in proper Urdu pronunciation, voice modulation, and live broadcasting during emergencies and natural disasters.
“Her return will inspire and guide young broadcasters,” he added. Tarar emphasized that Fatima has never been involved in politics and has always served professionally and impartially.
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Fatima thanked PTV for the trust and said that mentoring young anchors would bring her great satisfaction. She added that news reading is a lifelong passion and that sharing her experience with the next generation is an honor.
On social media platform X, Minister Tarar confirmed that Fatima had willingly accepted the mentoring role. He said the government would fully recognize and value her decades of service and expertise.
