Media urged to highlight human interest issues

ISLAMABAD:

Flourishing free media and responsible journalism have been critical to the strengthening of democracy in Pakistan over the past decade.

These views were expressed by Canadian envoy Ross Hynes at an award presenting ceremony titled “Canadian High Commissioner’s Awards for Pakistani Journalism in the Public Interest” on Thursday.

“Pakistani journalists are serving their country on the front lines, shining light in dark places in the face of intimidation and threats. Today, we want to express our support for the Pakistani media community by celebrating journalism that focuses attention on the public interest - the issues that matter to Pakistanis,” he added.

Hynes announced that the awards will be given every year.

In the category of print media, Zahid Gishkori, of The Express Tribune, received an award for his report on the Airblue plane crash investigation. Similarly, Mubarak Zeb Khan of Dawn won for his report investigating the extent of tax fraud and corruption.

Moreover, in the “Awards for Electronic Media Journalists” category, Masood Raza of Geo TV received an award for his report on the prevalence of the narcotic gutka and the lack of enforcement on its ban. Furthermore, Zakia Manzoor of Samaa TV received an award for reporting on social obstacles faced by women in obtaining a divorce. Lastly, Uneeba Waqar of Geo TV was also received an award for her reports on the heroin market.

Eminent journalists Azhar Abbas, Mariana Babar, Moeed Pirzada, Murtaza Solangi and Najam Sethi and Canadian journalist Kathy Gannon designed this award and reviewed the submissions with the support of the Canadian high commission.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2012.