Fatima Surayya Bajia, a renowned Urdu novelist, playwright and drama writer of Pakistan, passed away Wednesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 86. She was under treatment in a hospital after suffering from paralysis. Bajia was honored with various domestic and international awards including Japan’s highest civil award in recognition of her works. She was a well-known personality in social welfare, literary radio, television and stage. She wrote for PTV Centres Islamabad and Lahore since beginning of the state-run channel. Some of her popular drama serials include Shama, Afshan, Aroosa, Tasweer, Zeenat, Ana, Aagahi, Aabgeenay, Babar, Tareekh o Tamseel, Ghar Aik Nagar, Sassi Punno, Anarkali and Auraq. Bajia was also honored with Pride of Performance Award for her services to the performing arts in Pakistan.