On September 23, senior journalist Mazhar Iqbal passed away at the age of 56, succumbing to injuries sustained in a road accident a day earlier. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from political leaders, colleagues, and the broader media community.

Iqbal was critically injured when his motorcycle skidded near T-Chowk, resulting in a severe head injury. He was first taken to Polyclinic Hospital and later transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where he remained in critical condition until his passing, confirmed by his son, Nouman Mazhar.

Funeral prayers were held at the Atomic Energy Employees Housing Society, followed by his burial at the Model Town Humak graveyard. The service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including former minister Fawad Chaudhry, Bilal Azhar Kiani, and a large number of fellow journalists, reflecting the respect he commanded within the media fraternity.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar mourned the loss, praising Iqbal’s lifelong dedication to press freedom and democratic ideals.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also extended condolences to the family, commending Iqbal for upholding high journalistic standards throughout his career.

Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Ambreen Jan, along with Principal Information Officer Mobashir Hassan, expressed deep sorrow over Iqbal’s death. Hassan described him as a “reliable reference in the field of journalism,” adding that the industry had lost one of its most experienced and principled voices.

Senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb recalled Iqbal’s fearless reporting and unwavering commitment to the rights of journalists and the public. She noted that the intensity with which he asked questions was his hallmark, driven always by sincerity and a strong sense of duty.

Mazhar Iqbal is survived by his wife and two sons.