Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: September 24, 2024 | 
| 中文
Athar Viqar with film star Nadeem
In 1987, the Cricket World Cup was hosted outside of England, for the first time. Previous tournaments in 1975, 1979 and 1983 had already taken limited-overs cricket to new heights, but moving the tournament beyond England was seen as a daring move. Some might have found it amusing that the coverage was entrusted to countries once ruled by the British, as if the former colonies were stepping into a spotlight once reserved for their former rulers. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) sent a team to Pakistan and India, the joint hosts, to train them for the big matches. However, upon meeting Pakistan Television (PTV)’s senior-most producer, Athar Viqar Azeem, who had already mastered cricket coverage, they realized their training was unnecessary. Athar had already set a high standard for sports broadcasting in Pakistan.
Athar Viqar Azeem, a renowned Director of Current Affairs at PTV, sports producer and a leading figure in Pakistan’s media history, recently passed away in Karachi at the age of 76. As the former General Manager of the Karachi PTV Centre, he was known as an exceptional storyteller, a wonderful friend, and a consummate professional. Athar was a man of many talents who witnessed history unfold throughout his career. His pioneering contributions to media, especially in sports broadcasting, were transformative and will be remembered for years to come.
Athar Viqar shaking hands with Pervaz Musharraf
Born in Karachi in 1948, Athar spent most of his life in Lahore, where he completed his education. Following his elder brother’s footsteps, he joined PTV Karachi in 1972. Under Muslehuddin's guidance, he began producing ‘Tarjumaan’, the first LIVE magazine show hosted by veteran journalist Farhad Zaidi. Although he produced shows on law and health as well, his passion for sports led him to develop what was then a non-existent sports department.
At that time, ‘Sports’ was not a separate department; it was handled by Current Affairs. Athar ensured that sports received the focus it deserved, with the 1978-79 Pakistan-India Test series serving as a testament to his vision. Despite only having four cameras, Athar revolutionized sports coverage, allowing viewers at home to experience the excitement of the match as if they were in the stadium. His coverage of the 1976 Inoki-Akram fight at the National Stadium Karachi, where the Japanese MMA fighter broke the arm of the Pakistani self-proclaimed champion, is still remembered by those who saw it. Listening to the entire proceedings from the horse’s mouth remains one of my cherished memories. Also, the fight of Indian-born Canadian fighter Tiger Jeet Singh and Antonio Inoki at the Hockey Club of Pakistan in June 1979, was covered by Athar and his team. After the fight, Tiger Jeet and Inoki were both present at PTV Karachi for interview, yet none was aware of the other’s presence, otherwise, the next round of fights would have ensued.
Athar Viqar with Japanese MMA wrestler Antonio Inoki
Athar also transformed television commentary, advising veteran Radio commentators like Iftekhar Ahmed, Omar Kureshi and Chishti Mujahid to focus on what they saw rather than discuss details about everything, something which made television commentary different from that of radio.
Renowned commentator Hassan Jalil recalled Athar Viqar Azeem as a young and energetic professional, who was equally good in current affairs and sports. ‘I had the honor to accompany him on the 1979/80 tour to India, which was my first official tour as a commentator. I found him to be a very humble and a down-to-earth person. People still remember when in Madras they used to mistake him for Majid Khan, who had a striking resemblance with Athar in those days.
Athar Viqar Azim with Wasim Akram
At that tour, under Asif Iqbal, the PTV staff was invited to teach the Indians how to cover cricket matches. After observing the coverage of the preceding series, the Indians were impressed by PTV, and Athar became a pioneer of sports coverage in India.
Former Test Cricketer, Iqbal Qasim, credits him as the man who changed the way cricket was covered in the region. ‘There were only two cameras that covered a test match, one at the bowling end which would, at the end of the over, become the keeper end, and the other was at the square leg. Athar was the first one to put cameras on both sides of the wicket. The number of cameras increased from two, they grew to four and six and many more. He was also the one who introduced current affairs/ sports debates and talk shows, way ahead in those days of Martial Law’.
Former captain Asif Iqbal, who was instrumental in establishing Sharjah as a cricketing center, invited Athar to cover matches there. Athar continued this role for 14 years until other networks like Star TV entered the scene. Talking to this scribe from the UK, Asif Iqbal credits Athar Viqar Azeem for televising the matches in Sharjah, where there was no concept of coverage. ‘It was all because of Athar, who made it possible. Along with his elder brother Akhtar, they served the game more than anyone and were responsible for improvements that came into the coverage of the matches with time’.
Athar Viqar with Benazir Bhutto
Athar was also a pioneer in the coverage of squash matches. In the 1980s, as Jahangir Khan and later Jansher Khan won titles, squash became a major sport in Pakistan. Air Vice Marshal Nur Khan, who was crucial in sports development, was initially unsure how to televise squash matches without disrupting play. Athar’s innovative solution was to fix a camera behind the wall, allowing for a seamless capture of the action.
Athar Viqar with Dilip Kumar
Other than sports, Athar was the one to go whenever there was a high-profile visit. Be it dignitaries or head of states, Athar, with his cool and calm demeanor, would tackle the situation. When the legendary actor Dilip Kumar came to Pakistan for the first time in 1988, Athar was summoned. He was Benazir Bhutto’s favorite producer, while Pervez Musharraf was impressed by his professionalism from day one.
In the late ‘70s, cricket coverage was revolutionized by Australian tycoon Kerry Packer’s Channel 9. Lynton Taylor, the Managing Director (MD) of Channel 9, visited Pakistan to watch a series with Australia and was amazed by the facilities provided to Athar Viqar Azeem by the state television. He described the coverage as nothing short of a miracle. The man who produced miracles, has gone to the Creator, leaving behind memories.
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