ishal Bukhari was a true warrior. On Tuesday, January 3, she lost the battle to lung cancer. Bukhari had been fighting the deadly disease for a long time with great resolve before succumbing to it at the age of 40. Her funeral, held in Lahore, was attended by a large number of friends and colleagues.

Mishal was born in Karachi on March 24, 1982. She held a degree in mass communication from the University of the Punjab. A passionate journalist since the beginning of her career, she had worked at numerous channels, including Express News, 92 News, AAP, GNN and PTV. Mishal had also participated in the IVLP programme for journalists in 2013 and had covered elections in the United States. What set her apart was her vast knowledge of national and international politics.

During the US presidential elections, she outshone her counterparts with her in-depth knowledge of various states, the history of contesting candidates and her analysis of results. Bukhari represented Pakistan at several international forums and channels.

Her smiling face, coupled with her lively personality and brilliant voice modulation, had made her a household name over the last decade. She had transformed herself from a news presenter into a talk-show host and analyst.

She had been battling cancer for years and truly showed those around her what it is to live with purpose and determined resolve.

The news of her death was met with condolences pouring in from all over the country as journalists, politicians and activists mourned the loss. Her husband, journalist Ameer Abbas told The News on Sunday, “She was the ideal wife, the ideal companion for me – a true life partner.” Abbas added, “We could talk freely and discuss every topic. We had travelled together on numerous occasions, and she was the driving force behind our family unit. She managed everything with great skill and care. As I try to manage my life and household alone, I constantly feel her absence. It is as if something has broken inside me. Her tolerance and bravery amaze me every day. Mishal was the kindest person I knew and truly compassionate.”

“We had travelled together on numerous occasions. She was the driving force behind our family unit. She managed everything with great skill and care. As I try to manage my life and household alone, I feel her absence constantly.”

Rememberig her sister, Dr Sarah Naqvi said, “Mishal was not only my sister but also my best friend. She used to visit my kids and me a lot, and we all loved her very much. She used to spend on my children and her friends with an open heart, and she cared about every occasion, big or small. Mishal made everyone close to her feel truly valued and loved.” Bukhari’s passing has left a gaping hole in the lives of her loved ones.

“Mishal Bukhari’s death is a loss for the media fraternity, but also a personal one for me, as she was not just a former colleague but also my relative and a dear friend who was always there for me,” says journalist Hassan Naqvi. “Mishal, left too soon. The news industry wouldn’t be the same without her. After she was diagnosed with cancer, she kept a low profile and was out of touch with her colleagues.“ She never wanted anyone to pity her, says Naqvi. She was a resilient fighter.

Lifestyle journalist, Amber Liaqat said, “Mishal Bukhari was a great colleague with whom I shared a great working relationship. She was one of the most talented anchors we had at Express News. May she rest in peace.”

Mishal Bukhari will be remembered for her outstanding contributions to journalism, her charm, her wit and her brilliant analytical skills.

The writer is a freelance journalist. She mostly writes on human rights, literature and lifestyle. Her debut novel, Our Tainted Souls is available all over Pakistan. She tweets at @MinaalMaan and can be reached at minaalmohsin@hotmail.com