Noted journalist Ayesha Haroon passed away in New York early on Sunday after a four-year battle with cancer. She was 46. Her body will be transported to Pakistan, likely on Wednesday, and the burial will take place on Thursday in Lahore at Miani Saheb Graveyard.
A thoroughly respected figure in the media, Ayesha was the former Lahore Resident Editor for The News International and had earlier served The Nation as its editor. She was one of the country’s most senior and renowned journalists. In her stint at The Nation, Ayesha was editorial writer for the English daily and later its editor. She also played a key role in setting up and launching the Waqt TV channel for The Nation group. Ayesha garnered many a praise and accolade for being the pioneer and an example for not only working women, but for members of the country’s media as well. Politicians, press organisations and Ayesha’s colleagues expressed deep sorrow and condolences with her family over the irreparable loss.
Pakistan Today Editor Arif Nizami also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of his former colleague. Nizami said apart from being a thorough and gifted professional, Ayesha was a loyal friend and a trusted colleague who could be depended upon in adverse times. He prayed for eternal peace for her soul. Senior journalist Hamid Mir expressed his sorrows on his Twitter account saying: “A memory of old colleague Ayesha Haroon who died of cancer this morning in New York. She dreamed of a new morning.” Nasim Zehra said on her Twitter account: Ayesha Haroon, journalist & friend passed away in NY last night after bravely battling a prolonged illness.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Chairman Imran Khan also expressed sorrow upon hearing the news.
In his condolence message sent to Dr Faisal Bari, spouse of Ayesha Haroon, her brothers Hassan Haroon and Usman Haroon, Imran paid tribute to Ayesha Haroon, who was an accomplished journalist by all means.
He prayed to almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. Ayesha was 42-years-old when her cancer was diagnosed. She got her initial treatment at Shaukat Khanum Hospital Lahore but was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York where she went through a long process of treatment and was on her way to recovery when the disease recurred in June last year. Her health kept deteriorating for the last
few moths.