CHARSADDA: PTV’s former music and drama producer Shaukat Ali Khan died of cardiac arrest here on Tuesday, family sources confirmed. He was 71.

The deceased had been suffering from heart complications and had undergone bypass operation at a hospital in Peshawar a week ago, but couldn’t survive the fatal heart attack on Tuesday.

He left behind a widow, two sons and two daughters to mourn his death.

He was laid to rest on the same day. A large number of local artists, notables and fans attended his Namaz-i-Janaza.

Born in 1948, Shaukat Ali had done masters in English literature from Covenant School and College and was appointed assistant director at PTV, Peshawar, in 1974.

Being a professional officer, he had numerous Pashto, Urdu and Hindko music, plays, and magazine shows to his credit, including Namoos, Zanjeerain, Karkhey, Talash, Bewazla, Soori Stori, and Chal wal.

Shaukat Ali had introduced noted artists, including Wagma, Sitara Younas, Haroon Bacha, Shabnam, Gulzar Alam, Master Ali Haider, and Noor Jahan who contributed immensely to Pashto folk music. He enjoyed a good reputation among artists’ community for his polite and professional attitude.

He was known for his expertise on music and drama production. He used to extend financial assistance to needy artists and would try his best to promote folk music through his professional approach.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2019