Family and friends of veteran broadcast journalist late Burhanuddin Hassan, who passed away recently in Karachi, gathered on Thursday at Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) IBA to honour his contribution towards journalism. The participants of the 'condolence reference' shed light on various aspects of Hassan's private and professional life and shared sweet and salty movements they spent along with him as family members, office colleagues and friends.
Former Senator Javed Jabbar said the Burhanuddin Hassan had been mentor of dozens of journalists working in media marketplace and his multi-dimensional role in broadcast journalism remained source of inspiration for the youth. Burhan worked with PTV in various capacities, including general manager, director of news, controller of news, and director of administration for years in Karachi and Islamabad stations.
He did not compromise on his professional principles and journalistic ethics, even, during former military dictator General Ziaul Haq's era, when there was a direct state interference and complete monopoly on PTV's news programmes, he recalled. Burhan was News Director Islamabad station during Zia's regime and that was a testing period of Burhan's capacity and integrity, but he competently fulfilled his responsibilities.
Sharing his memories as junior colleague in PTV, Syed Jawaid Iqbal President and CEO, CMC (Ltd) said: "Burhanuddin was a great man. He was a bit conventional with an authoritative tone, but still very co-operative.' he said. "Burhan helped and encouraged me to become the first man in the history of Pakistan to challenge the Press and Publication Ordinance (PPO) in a regular court," he said.
"We should have honoured Hassan's life and great work when he was alive. This happens nowhere in the world except Pakistan that we always recognise the services of an individual to the society after his/her death, which is quite unfortunate." he deplored. Gulrukh - daughter of the late Burhanuddin said; "He was a very loving father and a self-made man who spent great life."
Athar Waqar Azeem Senior executive Vice President Hum Network (Pvt) Ltd, Dr Irshad Hassan son of the late broadcast journalist and others also spoke on this occasion. According to details, Hassan was born in 1930 in Rampur state of India. After partition, his family moved to Pakistan and settled in Lahore. Burhanuddin completed his graduation from Government College Lahore. Later, he went USA where he worked for Voice of America for five years. He also worked for Radio Pakistan Karachi. Hassan was also the author of three books: Gems from the Holy Quran, Uncensored, and The Breaking Point. He also wrote columns for both English and Urdu newspapers. Burhan passed away on November 28, 2016 in Karachi at the age of 86, and buried in PECHS graveyard.
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