Upon joining the Dawn Newspaper in Islamabad, I aspired to delve into journalism. However, Honourable Hameed Haroon as Dawn Newspaper CEO’s decision to appoint me in a management role way back in 1997 was unexpected. At that time, I failed to recognize his protective intent , shielded from the risks inherent to an upright, courageous, and professional journalist. The tragic murder of Arshad Sharifva former colleague at Dawn , a skilled investigative journalist, underscored the perilous nature of job for dedicated and fearles journalists.
While I contributed to Dawn’s Op-Ed section Dawn’s Magazine and wrote for Arora and National Weekend Advertiser , I also freelanced for Pakistan Times, Mag Magazine and currently for Daily Newsman, an Islamabad based newspaper, after serving as a War Correspondent for the US-based Freedom Network News in the late ’80s when Anti – Soviet resistance was at its peak in the neighbouring Afghanistan .
My current focus predominantly revolves around social issues, steering clear of the controversial political landscape that engulfs the attention of many journalists and mainstream media outlets. Unfortunately, these entities have compromised their freedom of speech values, mirroring the loss of credibility plaguing our political institutions. I strive to be recognized as a voice for the common man.
During a visit to my hometown, Swat, I applied for membership at the press club. With the support of my friend and senior journalist, Fazal Rahim Khan seen in the picture taken at the Swat Press Club , I obtained the Swat Press Club Form following necessary approvals from the committee. As I wait in anticipation, I hope that being among these esteemed journalists from my hometown of Swat will offer me insights beyond the 22 years of service I have dedicated to Dawn Media Group in Islamabad and the other four years to the US based Freedom Network News altogether 26 years of association with both leading National and International newspapers .