Famous journalist and educator, Prof Shahida Kazi, who made significant contributions to Pakistan’s media landscape, has sadly passed away at the age of 79. Prof Kazi, one of the first women journalists in Pakistan’s print media, held various distinctions in her career.
She did her Master’s degree in journalism from Karachi University in 1963-65, becoming the first woman to do so. Her career also included roles as a news producer and news editor at Pakistan Television. She joined Dawn in 1966 as its first woman reporter, covering diverse subjects.
Prof Kazi’s career was characterized by her encouragement of her students and her readiness to embrace differing viewpoints. Her educational contributions included leading the mass communication department at Karachi University and heading other media-related departments.
Her literary work included research articles on media, education, women’s issues, and social problems, as well as authoring books such as “Television Journalism” and “Pakistan Studies in Focus.” Her autobiography, “Sweet, Sour and Bitter — A Life Well Lived,” was launched this year.
She leaves behind a son, and her funeral will be held on Sunday at the KU graveyard following Zuhr prayers at Jamia Masjid, Faizan-i-Bismillah, Sunny Side Road, Civil Lines.