I am a broadcast and multimedia journalist with 8 years of experience working with Geo News in Karachi, Pakistan. I have covered the judiciary, climate change, and issues related to religious minorities."

The state of journalism in South Asia

05 Oct 2023  |  www.geo.tv  |  English  |  Minority Rights

Journalists in South Asia, particularly those from minority groups, face severe threats including violence, persecution, and murder. The article highlights specific cases from Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, detailing the dangers and legal challenges journalists encounter. Press freedom in the region has significantly declined, with India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan ranking poorly on the Press Freedom Index. The Modi administration in India is particularly criticized for its crackdown on dissent, targeting of Muslim journalists, and restrictive laws. The article also discusses the lack of funding for independent media and increasing inaccessibility for journalists, emphasizing the need for better safety measures and support for the journalistic community.

Tags:

National Assembly Sindh Protection of Journalists and other Media Practitioners Act Committee to Protect Journalists Reporters Without Borders Millat Times Alt News BBC Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan Centre for Policy Research Ministry of External Affairs Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Finance Geo News Express Newspapers Pvt Ltd

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

A journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan with 16 years of experience. From news room to exploring stories that affects human and social issue, dedicated to unveil new angles as an effort to create impact for betterment. Worked with Pakistan’s leading news media Geo News English online, The News ...

Sweat, tears and the sea

11 Dec 2021  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Environmental Conservation

The article discusses the severe impact of marine pollution and climate change on the livelihood of fishermen and women in the fisheries industry in the Arabian Sea, particularly in the Ibrahim Hyderi village of Karachi, Pakistan. It highlights the struggles of individuals like Naziraan Bibi and Hajiyaani, who have lost their jobs due to the decline in fish and shrimp populations. Experts like Aslam Jarwar, Director Fisheries Sindh, and Dr. Pirzada Jamal Siddiqui from the University of Karachi, attribute the decline to environmental changes and overfishing. The article also touches on the legislative changes brought by the Sindh Fisheries Amended Act and the efforts of organizations like the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum and IUCN to provide relief and training to the affected communities.

Tags:

Sindh Assembly Fisheries Sindh University of Karachi Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum Fisherman Cooperative Society International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Shaikh Israr is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Auditor-General points out Rs957 billion irregularities in Sindh

08 Feb 2019  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Political Oversight

The article discusses the financial irregularities in the provincial government's accounts in Pakistan, as reported by the Auditor-General over the past nine years, totaling Rs957 billion. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is responsible for oversight, has not been established by the current assembly, and previous reports have been ignored by lawmakers. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) insists on appointing the PAC chairperson from the opposition in the National Assembly but does not follow this practice in the Sindh Assembly, where it holds power. The opposition in the Sindh Assembly accuses the PPP of avoiding accountability by not appointing an opposition chairperson for the PAC. Despite the significant expenditure on audits, the reported irregularities have not been investigated, and the latest audit report has not been presented to the Sindh Assembly.

Tags:

Sindh Assembly National Assembly Auditor-General of Pakistan Public Accounts Committee Pakistan Peoples Party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Maham Javaid is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The scorpion hunters of Pakistan

08 Oct 2014  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Economic Opportunity

In Sindh, Pakistan, the lucrative scorpion trade involves hunters, brokers, and politicians, despite the lack of specific legislation against it. Scorpions, highly valued for medical research, can fetch up to $50,000. The trade is fraught with risks, including abduction and police arrest. Brokers and hunters face trust issues, often leading to failed deals. The trade impacts the local ecosystem, but economic incentives drive continued participation. Financial transactions are conducted discreetly for security reasons.

Tags:

Sindh Wildlife Fund National Assembly State Bank of Pakistan National Bank of Pakistan

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Journalist,producer, fixer, searcher based in Islamabad/Peshawar with experience in both print and broadcast media. My roles include writing, editorial and reporting.  Utilising my established position within the local media infrastructure, I also contribute regionally and nationally with stories I ...

Final Appeal Denied for Pakistani Man Sentenced to Death at 14

17 Mar 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Torture and Confessions

Shafqat Hussain, sentenced to death in Pakistan at age 14, had his final appeal denied, with his execution scheduled for Thursday. His case, involving allegations of being tortured into confessing to the kidnapping and murder of a seven-year-old, has sparked international controversy and criticism of Pakistan's justice system. Human rights organization Reprieve and Hussain's family argue his innocence and the illegality of executing a juvenile. Despite promises from Pakistan's Interior Minister for an inquiry into Hussain's conviction, no such inquiry has taken place. The case also highlights broader issues with Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts and the use of the death penalty, especially following the Peshawar school massacre in December 2014. Hussain's family members, interviewed by VICE News, express their belief in his innocence and the injustice of the situation, exacerbated by their poverty and inability to afford legal representation or even visit him in prison.

Tags:

National Assembly Sindh High Court Reprieve Supreme Court of Pakistan Interior Ministry Justice Project Pakistan Rights Advocacy

Kaswar KLasra is a journalist from Pakistan with more than 19 years experience in print and electronic ( Tv & radio). Currently, Kaswar Klasra is working with The Islamabad Telegraph. 

During 19 years of journalism, Mr Klasra worked as Reporter for a number of publications and TV channels ...

Conversion of Hindu girls to Islam: Imran Khan's intervention forces Pakistan police to act against perpetrators

20 Mar 2019  |  www.firstpost.com  |  English  |  Religious Conflict

The abduction and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls in Pakistan's Sindh province has sparked outrage and calls for government intervention. Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered immediate action, leading to the arrest of seven individuals involved. The incident highlights ongoing issues of forced conversions and minority rights in Pakistan, with activists and politicians urging legislative changes to protect vulnerable communities.

Tags:

Sindh Assembly National Assembly of Pakistan Pakistani Government Bharchundi Shareef Dargah Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Shaukat Korai is a Karachi based Multimedia journalist of Pakistan.

Transgender Community Protests in Karachi, Demands Action and Protection

25 Mar 2024  |  voicepk.net  |  English  |  Protest

The transgender community in Karachi held a protest at the Karachi Press Club on March 23, demanding justice for an assault incident on March 18 in Gulistan-e-Johar and calling for action against the perpetrators and protection for their community. Despite filing a complaint, no arrests have been made. Shehzadi Rai, a transgender rights activist and councillor, criticized the police for their inaction, citing their preoccupation with the PSL security. Community leader Bandiya Rana threatened a sit-in outside the Sindh Assembly if their demands are not met. Participants expressed feelings of dehumanization and a lack of safety, with student Noor-e-Hira highlighting the denial of their constitutional rights.

Tags:

Sindh Assembly Karachi Press Club Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Khawaja Sara Gender Alliance

Informative

Factuality Scale

Shujauddin Qureshi is a freelance journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan. I have been writing in newspapers, magazines in Pakistan and international publications. I worked for the Associated Press, and Dow Jones and work published in the Pakistani monthly magazine Newsline: ****
My work can be seen ...

Jamshed Nusserwanjee: A great benefactor of Karachi and Sind

19 Jan 2020  |  www.thenews.com.pk  |  English  |  Social Welfare

Jamshed Nusserwanjee, born in Karachi in 1886, is celebrated for his significant contributions to Karachi, Sindh, and Pakistan. Known as 'the maker of modern Karachi,' he played a pivotal role in the co-operative movement and the establishment of the Sukkur barrage, which greatly benefited the region's agriculture. As the first mayor of Karachi, he transformed the city into a well-planned metropolis. He was also a key figure in the Scout Movement and the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs. His legacy is marked by his humanitarian efforts, civic sense, and dedication to social welfare.

Tags:

Sindh Legislative Assembly Karachi Municipal Corporation Pakistan Institute of International Affairs

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Tehmina Qureshi is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan. Tehmina has a deep understanding of socio-political movements and how they spur or aid terrorism in her country.

No tangible evidence to suggest private schools provide value for money

28 Sept 2015  |  www.thenews.com.pk  |  English  |  Government Regulation

The article highlights the lack of reliable evidence on the performance of private schools in Pakistan, despite a significant portion of the population paying for private education. It criticizes the government's negligence in regulating private schools and the disparity in education quality and affordability. The article also discusses the questionable performance of private schools, the lack of qualified teachers, and the recent protests by parents against fee hikes. It calls for better regulation and monitoring of private schools to ensure quality education for all.

Tags:

Sindh government Sindh Assembly Sindh directorate of private education Alif Ailaan All Pakistan Private Schools’ Management Association Institute of Education Development of the Aga Khan University Punjab High Court

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Waleed Tariq is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan covering politics, economy, environment, press freedom and digital rights. 

Contact for reporting, writing and editing projects.

Sindh to enact law on journalists' safety

12 Nov 2019  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Legislation

Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani announced that the Sindh Assembly is set to pass a historic law for journalists' safety, marking a significant step in protecting press freedom in Pakistan. The law, supported by the Freedom Network and the Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE), aims to appoint a special prosecutor and establish a journalists' protection council. The announcement was made at the National Conference to End Impunity, where speakers highlighted the dire state of press freedom in Pakistan, ranked 142nd on the World Press Freedom index. Senior journalist Arif Nizami and others emphasized the need for unity among journalists to combat the prevailing environment of fear and self-censorship. The session also presented findings from the Pakistan Impunity Scorecard 2019, revealing that no killers of the 33 journalists murdered since 2013 have been punished.

Tags:

Sindh Assembly Freedom Network Council of Newspapers Editors (CPNE)

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Khawaja Asif's 'dacoit' remarks earn ire of Sindh VCs

15 Jun 2023  |  www.thenews.com.pk  |  English  |  Politics

Vice-chancellors from Sindh's public sector universities condemned Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif's remarks in the National Assembly, where he referred to VCs as 'dacoits'. They demanded an apology and the expungement of the remarks, emphasizing their contributions to education and the negative implications of such statements on the youth's prospects. The VCs stressed the importance of mutual respect for constructive engagement in higher education. PPP leader Nafisa Shah criticized Asif's remarks, highlighting the potential repercussions on higher education and students' futures, and called for a public apology and respect for civilian institutions.

Tags:

Public Sector Universities of Sindh National Assembly of Pakistan Pakistan People's Party

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View