As I sit down to write this tribute, my heart is filled with gratitude for all that I have seen happened and what Aamir Liaquat Hussain has done to make Ramadan special for millions of people in Pakistan and beyond. I have been a part of his transmissions and I have always admired his passion for spreading knowledge and fostering a sense of community among his viewers.
Aamir Liaquat’s work and transmissions have not only provided us with valuable information about Islam but also created a sense of belonging among people from all walks of life. He has created a space where we can come together as a community to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, and that is truly a gift.
Aamir Liaquat has had a varied career as a host, columnist, scholar, politician, naat orator, debater and philanthropist. In his 50 years old life, he has achieved many accolades. One of the biggest laurels he has received was being listed as “The 500 Most Influential Muslims” worldwide and was among the 100 most popular personalities in Pakistan. He was also the youngest federal minister in 2004. The list aims to identify and recognize individuals from various fields who have had a significant impact on the Muslim community worldwide.
Aamir Liaquat Hussain began his career as a host on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) in the 1990s. He gained popularity with his show Aalim Online aired on Geo tv and the circle of his viewers grew bigger with every passing day since its start. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this program was the turning point for the tv industry back then and after that, there is no looking back. He later went on to host a variety of different programs, including game shows, morning shows, and political talk shows. His engaging personality and lively hosting style. He has a talent for connecting with his audience.
The viewer magnet that Aamir Liaquat was, had captured the attention of all demographics of Pakistan. From teenagers to senior citizens, from grandmothers to grandchildren, Aamir Liaquat had become a household name. Ramadan transmissions started from a small set of Aalim Online and ended up on large-scale sets.
It hits hard when you realize that Ramadan has come and Aamir Bhai wouldn’t be there on our television screens. Like it or not, I bet all the millennials must have watched Aamir Liaquat’s Ramadan transmissions, most of you wouldn’t even recall how our tv sets looked like before Aamir Liaquat started this trend of celebrating Ramadan on national television.
Aamir Liaquat, popularly known as Aamir bhai holds the credit for popularizing the trend of Ramadan transmissions in Pakistan. His programs during Ramadan have gained a large following and have become a staple of the Ramadan experience for many viewers in Pakistan and everywhere in the world where these transmissions are viewed.
Aamir Liaquat is indeed considered by many to be a trendsetter in the Pakistani entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to television shows and Ramadan transmissions. He has been credited with introducing Ramadan anthems, new formats and styles of programming, as well as bringing a unique blend of entertainment, religious teachings, and social commentary to his shows. It would be partial on my part if I don’t commend the efforts of his ex-wife Bushra Iqbal for transforming his Ramadan transmissions into a grand celebration every year.
Some of the trends that Aamir Liaquat Hussain is known for are his impressive wardrobe, introducing the use of social media to interact with viewers, the incorporation of game shows and prize giveaways into Ramadan transmissions which have been a hallmark of his shows and making Ramadan experience special for his viewers, most importantly using the word Muslamano to address his audience and the inclusion of celebrity guests and performances in religious programs. Who would have imagined that Sherwanis and Kurta Pajamas could be worn by tv hosts on game shows?
The beloved tv host has been involved in various philanthropic activities throughout his career. He has launched several charitable campaigns on his television shows, which have raised significant amounts of money for various causes, such as helping flood victims, providing assistance to those affected by natural disasters, and supporting the education of underprivileged children. His charitable organization has fed hundreds of people and supported many families.
His captivating personality, charismatic on-screen presence and grasp of content was the secret behind his success. Aamir Liaquat has inspired many other celebrities to follow in his footsteps and has been highly praised by his contemporaries in the entertainment industry for his talent and contributions to Pakistani media. Many of his fellow hosts and celebrities acknowledged his accomplishments and expressed admiration for his work. His innovative and dynamic approach to hosting, combined with his religious knowledge and philanthropic work, have set a high bar for Ramadan transmissions in Pakistan.
Aamir Bhai has personified the phrase “Live like there’s no tomorrow”, he lived a lavish life, traveled most parts of the world, earned respect and owned what he did, he helped others grow, he took charge when it was needed. His kindness was often taken for granted by some of his friends and colleagues even though he continued being himself.
In the end, I would only say that despite the criticism that he had faced, he remained committed to his mission of using media to spreading information and peace. He has shown us that it is possible to use our talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the world, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Thank you, Amir Bhai, for all that you have done for our community. You will never be forgotten, your words will echo my memories, your way of appreciating, the discussions we used to have, your advice and your complaints, the differences everything will be missed.
May Allah increase your rewards and give unmatched success and patience to your Ahmed and Duaa.