Naheed Ansari, a culinary icon who became a household name across Pakistan through her popular cooking shows, has died following a battle with cancer. Known affectionately as Naheed Apa, Ansari dedicated over 35 years to the art of cooking, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan's culinary landscape.
Beyond her screen presence, Ansari served as the director at Creative Hands by Naheed Ansari, an institute where she shared her extensive knowledge with aspiring chefs and enthusiastic home cooks. Her summer courses in cooking and baking were widely acclaimed. The news of her death has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, colleagues, and loved ones.
TV Host Sidra Iqbal mourned Ansari's death in an emotional Instagram post, saying, “With great sadness, we announce the passing of Naheed Ansari. She was a true pioneer and an institution in her right. Her experience, recipes and hacks benefitted millions. She was rightly dubbed the Martha Stewart of Pakistan with her brilliant focus on home and hospitality. I personally looked up to her for guidance and she was always wonderful and kind.”