The master actor passed away in Karachi, and according to reports, funeral prayers would be held there at Imambargah Yasrab in Defence Phase 4.
The 80-year-old had previously been admitted to a private hospital in Karachi’s intensive care unit.
In South Asia, the seasoned author was a living legend in the fields of literature, radio, and recitation.
Zia was raised in Lahore after being born in Faisalabad and received his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London from 1953 to 1956. Zia impressed audiences with his performances on TV and the stage when he first began his career with Long Day’s Journey into Night and Julius Caesar.
The renowned performer began his cinematic career in 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia and spent nearly 47 years in the UK. He served as a mentor to several students who are now employed in television production.
The Pakistani government honoured him with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz Award and the Hilal-i-Imtiaz Award for his consistently outstanding performances and contributions to art.
After learning of the actor’s passing, social media users and those who were inspired by his work gathered there to remember him.
