From: The editor

As The Express Tribune completes its second year, we look back with satisfaction at the way our paper has matured and emerged as one of the leading dailies of the country. We are quoted, criticised and appreciated, but we are never ignored.  We have helped change perceptions and encouraged debate. People have accused us of working on an agenda, but what they cannot say is that we have disregarded anyone. We talk, we listen, we communicate.

We have given voice to the voiceless and taken up issues and topics that others shy away from. We have sent reporters to all corners of Pakistan and abroad to report on issues that affect us. This is the strength of The Express Tribune - our belief that everyone deserves to be heard and there are many stories that need to be told.

In a country where the quality of discourse continues to deteriorate and there is an increasing lack of tolerance to listen, appreciate or respect diverse views, we persistently work to report freely and fairly, without prejudice or fear. We know we owe this to our readers, many of whom are young Pakistanis who want to break the shackles of the past and enjoy the fruits of democracy – which include a free and vibrant press.

Despite the ups and downs of journalism in Pakistan, we have moved from strength to strength – our stories have been noticed by the powers that be, our credibility lauded by the Supreme Court and our commitment appreciated by various quarters. Today our paper continues to expand and our website has become an important, credible news source on Pakistan and the region, the world over.

We are affiliated with the International Herald Tribune, yet stand out for being very much Pakistani. Our team of talented editorial staff, ably supported by our creative, production, marketing and circulation teams of vibrant and distinguished men and women are all homegrown. Their divergent political ideologies and socio-economic and religious backgrounds add richness to our paper.

At The Express Tribune, we work hard at training our staff, we invest in them, and we bring out their best. We are employers of choice and have received awards for our gender friendly policies in the newsroom. Ours is a world of commitment and innovation.

We will not compromise on our standards and will not fall short of our goals. This is our promise to you.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2012.