Ismat Tahira began to work for Pakistan Radio, Lahore, in 1972. At that time, there may be ten to fifteen women working at the station in the whole organization. However, there may be fewer than six women who were working as radio artists. Among them, there were seasoned artists such as Mohni Hameed and Yasmeen Tahir, and then Rehana Siddiqui and Iffat Inaam.

Within a few years, Ismat Tahira had created her own professional style and a loyal audience. She hosted many radio shows but 'Din chaRia bhagaN vala' and 'Sajri Sver' became the most popular and were broadcast every morning for years.

Tahira wrote and voiced-over stories for children, performed puppet shows on air; and, presented news and news commentary programs including 'Bol miTi deya baweya'.

Her work, talent and increasing popularity afforded her to achieve the artists' Graduate Award in 1978 for the best voice on radio.

However, she was promptly banned from the radio for presenting a tongue-in-cheek item from Philosopher Khalil Gibran on Dictator General Ziaul Haq's revival of the punishment of lashes in 1978.

Later that year, she went to UK to work for British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) where she anchored children's radio and television shows, and wrote stories for children.

Ismat Tahira worked for radio and television as a visual and sound artists, and in advertising as a copywriter and business manager from 1972 to 1999. During this time, she was also bringing up her children as a single mother.

Her wonderful children are spread between Pakistan, UK and Canada. Her older son Shah Shrabeel is an established stage play director and producer in Lahore while her younger son is a graphic designer especializing in computer graphics and animation. Her daughters are all gifted in various artistic skills including visual art.

Ismat left the country in 1999 for Canada, and now lives in British Columbia with her youngest daughter.

Ismat plans to produce shows and dramas for radio in Punjabi, and children's educational programs for television in English and Punjabi.

Contact Ismat at: ismattahira@hotmail.com