Legendary cook and television personality Zubaida aapa passed away late last night. Esteemed poet Anwar Maqsood, who is also Zubaida aapa’s brother shared the heartbreaking news that the personality died in hospital. Social media is now brimming with tributes and aching messages as the entire nation mourns a great, great loss, with many Pakistanis incredibly shaken.
Pakistanis took to Twitter to express their sorrow over the news, like Dr. Shaista Lodhi who posted an adoring picture of herself with Zubaida aapa
Zubaida Aapa u were such a motherly soul. Will always remember ur kindness, genuineness and simplicity.
May Allah grant her highest place in Jannah. Ameen pic.twitter.com/USu0d7zwa1
— Dr. Shaista Lodhi (@IamShaistaLodhi) January 4, 2018
The personality was a maternal figure to many Pakistanis
RIP Zubeida Apa ; a motherly figure to millions of households. Hers was a life well spent ; positive, kind and so full of life. Saw her interview where she she showed her bangle collection – Nearly 5000 of them. What an iconic figure!
— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) January 4, 2018
With incredible recipes to enhance health and was an abundant fountain of knowledge
RIP Zubaida Apa. The woman with all the secret recipes, ideas & a whole lot of knowledge. And what a wonderful loving woman she was. There have been jokes dedicated to her. She was a brand. She was it.And she will be missed. May Allah grant her the highest darjah in Jannah. Ameen
— Sana Bucha (@sanabucha) January 4, 2018
The news has shaken the nation and has upset many
Sad News 🙁
Zubaida Aapa paases away
Sad News , RIP— Ihtisham ul Haq (@iihtishamm) January 4, 2018
Can't believe Zubaida Aapa passed away. May she rest in peace. Her kind and gentle soul will be missed. ?
— Brashna Kasi (@Brashnaa) January 4, 2018
Many of whom correctly stated to end any jokes related to the personality
Really sad to hear about Zubaida Aapa, may she get highest place in Jannah.
One really has to be a deplorable & heartless person to be making totka jokes now.— Osama. (@ashaqeens) January 5, 2018
Now stop making memes/jokes about Zubaida appa permanently ?
— Adiba Sattar (@AdibaSattar2) January 5, 2018
Journalists such as Jibran Nasir too expressed dismay over losing such a kind soul
Condolences to the family of Zubeda Apa. Like millions of Pakistani knew her through television. Always had a very warm and graceful presence. May God bless her soul. pic.twitter.com/m49I0cGP7L
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) January 5, 2018
Actresses too poured in their grief, like Mahira Khan who had grown up avidly admiring Zubaida aapa
Known her since I was a little girl.. she was all heart, always. Rest In Peace Zubaida Khala.
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) January 4, 2018
And Maya Ali, who tweeted an incredibly powerful message
Log chaley jaatey hain bass yaadein reh jaati hain… May ALLAH give her the highest rank in Jannah Ameen… #zubaidaapa #RestInPeace
— Maya Ali (@mayaali07) January 4, 2018
Mawra coupled her most significant trademarks with a stunning picture; her ‘sarees,’ ‘spices’ and ‘totkas,’
Your Sarees, your spices, your Totkas.. Rest in Peace #ZubaidaAapa ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/jmmGxXMdwB
— MAWRA HOCANE (@MawraHocane) January 4, 2018
Shehbaz Sharif too took to Twitter and defined her presence on Pakistani television wonderfully, stating how she was a household name whose cooking was renowned
Deeply saddened by the news of passing away of renowned chef & a great human being Zubaida Apa. She was a household name, thanks to her amazing expertise in cooking. May Allah Almighty bless her soul in peace and grant patience to her family!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 4, 2018
Babar Awan too was shocked at the loss
Saddened to learn about Zubaida Apa's death. My deepest condolences to her brother Anwar Maqsood and her family. May Allah bless the departed soul
— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) January 4, 2018
She was always impeccably dressed and will be remembered for time to come
#RIP Zubaida appa … I still remember the last time I ran into her at Khi airport she was so active and all dressed up, always full of colour and life … you will be missed big time
— madeha naqvi (@madehanaqvi) January 4, 2018
She truly was a legend
A legend; #ZubaidaTariqIlyas (Zubaida Aapa) is no more with us. An amazing chef and a memorable personality. We will miss her dearly#Zubaidaapa #death #restinpeace #legendarychef #FM91 #Pakistan #radio pic.twitter.com/cbiYsMPoob
— FM91 Pakistan (@FM91_official) January 5, 2018
Rest in peace Zubaida aapa.