Danish Zuberi, City Editor at The Express Tribune, passes away; colleagues remember him for his kindness, professional
Danish Zuberi was always remember for his kindness in daily life and professionalism in Journalism. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Some deaths arrive like a storm. Others descend like an unbearable silence. The passing of senior journalist and City Desk Head Danish Zuberi has left behind the latter – a silence so profound that it echoes through every corner of the newsroom he once filled with laughter, warmth and life.
It is still difficult to believe that the smile that greeted colleagues every day – that wide, radiant smile that seemed incapable of fading – is now gone. The man who carried joy so effortlessly, who brightened the heaviest of days with a joke, a kind word or a burst of laughter, has passed away following complications after an open-heart surgery. For those who knew him, Danish Zuberi was far more than a journalist. He was one of those rare souls whose presence made the world seem gentler. It feels like a cruel nightmare that a man with a flowing river in his heart, a rainbow of every vibrant colour in his spirit, and a garden full of butterflies and singing birds in his soul could leave so suddenly.
Professionally, Danish Zuberi embodied dedication and excellence. Journalism was not merely his profession but his passion. Yet despite his high standards, he never allowed mistakes to become a source of humiliation for younger colleagues.
When a junior made an error, his response was often accompanied by the same reassuring smile that defined him. “No issues, akhbaar roz chapta hai” (the newspaper is published every day). And these words became more than a phrase. They became a lesson in leadership, patience and humanity.
Many of his juniors remember him not as a supervisor but as a protective figure who stood over them like an umbrella in a storm, shielding rather than scolding, guiding rather than intimidating. He nurtured talent with the care of a father and celebrated the success of others as though it were his own.
Danish Zuberi began his journalistic career as a business reporter, working with Daily Finance, Financial Post, Newspaper Daily and The News Daily. He later joined The Express Tribune as a sub-editor, where his talent, editorial judgment and commitment to journalism steadily earned him respect and admiration. Over the years, he rose to become the newspaper’s City Desk Head, a role in which he became both a newsroom leader and a mentor to a generation of journalists.
Paying tribute to him, colleague Afshan Sadaqat said, “Danish Sahib was, without doubt, the finest supervisor I have had the privilege of working with in my entire career. As a person, he was far more than a boss – he carried the warmth and guidance of a fatherly figure, always cooperative, consistently supportive, and remarkably accommodating.”
Another colleague, Nusrat Jamali, remembered him as a man whose character reflected the values of a highly educated family devoted to learning and public service.
“Danish Zuberi came from a highly educated family, many of whose members have devoted their lives to education as professors, lecturers and teachers. He was a true journalist who consistently demonstrated his talent and professionalism whenever entrusted with responsibility,” he said.
“Throughout the years, I never saw him waste time on unnecessary matters or engage in arguments, even when he knew the other person was in the wrong. Instead, he remained calm, composed and respectful – a reflection of his character and values.”
For colleague Rana Saif, Danish Sahib’s greatest gift was the sense of family he created around him.
