JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 11, 2013
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ISLAMABAD: Investigative journalist Umar Cheema has won the 2013 Knight International Journalism Award recognizing excellent reporting that makes a difference in the lives of people.
According to a post on the ICFJ website announcing the awards, Cheema has set a new standard for courage and quality journalism in a country where reporters are routinely attacked and murdered.
Cheema works for The News in Islamabad and was beaten black and blue in 2010 for writing stories critical of the government. He however, showed great courage and has continued to produce hard-hitting investigative stories since.
Another journalist winning the award this year is Roman Anin of Russia’s daily Novaya Gazeta.
The two journalists will be honored at the ICFJ’s Awards Dinner in Washington D.C. on November 7.
A prestigious panel of judges selected Cheema and Anin for the award.
Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, a former editor of The News greeted Cheema on winning the award. She tweeted: “Great honor for our country. Congratulations for 2013 Knight International Journalism Award. You make us proud.”
Cheema has won several awards previously, among them the International Press Freedom Award.
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