Condolence reference: Express Tribune staff remembers photojournalist Huma Choudhary

The Islamabad-based staff member died on Saturday

ISLAMABAD: A condolence reference was held at the Islamabad office of Express Media Group on Saturday in memory of photojournalist Huma Choudhary, who died at a local hospital in the early hours of the same day.

Her colleagues at The Express Tribune remembered her vivid photography, insightful writing and refined, humble and polite disposition.

“She was a thorough professional and a cultured person,” said city editor Farman Ali. He noted that she was very committed to her profession and to society, while adding that “she carved a niche for herself in a very short span of time by dint of her hard work. She was a source of inspiration for other young women journalists in this patriarchal society.”

“Huma was a talented, up-and-coming journalist — always wanting to learn, and never afraid to ask questions,” said senior subeditor Vaqas Asghar. “More importantly, she was a wonderful person. Every memory of her will be a fond one,” he added.

Senior reporter Irfan Ghauri noted what a loss it was for journalism that the talented young woman left us while she was still climbing to her true potential.

Obaid Abbasi, a staff reporter, recalled the last time he spoke with Choudhary. She was congratulating him on his wedding, and reminding him that she owed him a treat for missing his big day.

Shahbaz Rana, another reporter, remembered Choudhary’s professionalism. He recalled how she once accompanied him on an assignment where the interview subject was camera shy, and how she made him feel comfortable enough to complete the assignment.

Subeditor Basma Siddiqui said she connected with people because she cared about humanity, and the impact that her work had on their lives.

Office tea boy Abdul Waheed said, “I have been with the Tribune since day one. I have seen good people come and go through these doors, and she was one of the best.”

Senior reporter Shahzad Anwar remembered her professional commitment, adding that she never once missed an assignment. He remarked how one of her photographs was worth a thousand words from a reporter.”

Reporter Peer Muhammad said he was shocked to learn of her death, and said Choudhary was a true talent behind the lens.

Court reporter Hasnaat Malik said that “her work had a human touch”, recalling her stories about the plight of minorities and the suffering of Kaavan the elephant.

Subeditor Zafar Ali Khan said her writing transported the reader to where her story was. Reporter Riazul Haq said she was upfront, honest, and a great colleague and human being. “I don’t have words to express my grief over her death,” said feature writer Shazia Mehboob, adding that, “We will never again get such a friendly and dedicated journalist.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2016.