Senior News Anchor Ishrat Fatima Parts Ways with Radio Pakistan After 45-Year Career
**Islamabad:** Veteran news anchor and broadcaster Ishrat Fatima has announced her departure from Radio Pakistan, ending a remarkable 45-year-long association with the institution. The news has left media circles and her fans emotional, as Ishrat Fatima has long been considered a symbol of credible and serious news reading in Pakistan.
Sharing a video of her final bulletin on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ishrat Fatima bid farewell to her listeners, expressing heartfelt gratitude to Radio Pakistan and the audience for their support throughout her extensive career.
Last day on Radio Pakistan
App sab ke pyar ka shukria mere social media (YouTube, Instagram, X, threads , Facebook) peh connect rahaiye ga agay ke safar ke liye pic.twitter.com/gEguA3m0lc— Ishrat Fatima (@OfficialIshrat) January 13, 2026
In a detailed 13-minute video message, she opened up about the reasons behind her decision, describing it as extremely difficult and revealing that she had been under significant mental stress. She shared that she prayed to Allah for ease and guidance before making the decision.
Ishrat Fatima began her formal news-reading career in 1984, having been associated with radio and television since 1983. She emphasized that news reading has always been a passion and vocation for her, not just a profession, and that her voice, diction, and capabilities remain unaffected. She consistently maintained punctuality and dedication throughout her career.
Despite being recognized as a senior and legendary figure, Ishrat Fatima lamented that she was not provided adequate opportunities to work and that her experience and contributions were not fully valued. She said she was repeatedly made to feel that her services were no longer needed, which caused her considerable distress.
After waiting for a long time for conditions to improve, she ultimately decided to leave Radio Pakistan. However, she assured her fans that she will remain connected with them via social media, sharing her memories and experiences.
Ishrat Fatima has been honored by the Government of Pakistan with prestigious awards including the Pride of Pakistan and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of her outstanding contributions. She has also anchored PTV’s renowned 9 PM Urdu news bulletin and began her career with Radio Pakistan’s program *Khel aur Khiladi*. Her articulate Urdu, impactful voice, and dignified style earned her prominence in the 1980s and 1990s.
