Pakistani journalist receives AFP's Kate Webb Prize

Asad Hashim honoured for illuminating series of articles on ethnic Pashtuns and other minority groups

ISLAMABAD: Reporter Asad Hashim received the 2018 Agence France-Presse Kate Webb Prize on Tuesday, recognising his intrepid coverage of the plight of ethnic Pashtuns and blasphemy issues in his native Pakistan.

The award, named after one of AFP's finest correspondents, highlights journalism by locally hired reporters across Asia working in risky or difficult conditions.

Hashim, 33, was honoured for an illuminating series of articles on ethnic Pashtuns and other minority groups caught in the crossfire of Pakistan's battle against militants.

Was an honour and privilege to be awarded AFP's Kate Webb Prize in Islamabad today, and to meet with Webb's siblings. It, I feel, is a recognition of the incredibly challenging circumstances in which all Pakistani journalists have been working for the last year, and beyond.

— Asad Hashim (@AsadHashim) March 26, 2019

Pakistan has battled militancy for nearly 15 years, with tens of thousands of people killed.



"(He is) a very good writer, a very good storyteller, and a very brave journalist," said AFP Asia-Pacific regional director Philippe Massonnet during a ceremony in Islamabad on Tuesday.

"I feel like this award is not just a recognition of my work," said Hashim. "It's recognition of the environment and particular difficulties that all Pakistani journalist are facing."