JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 15, 2012
Join our WhatsApp channelISLAMABAD: The enigma has been there as long as the profession; does a good story make a journalist or does a journalist make a story good? Most probably the answer lies somewhere in between. One thing is for sure though, hard work does pay off.
Young reporter Zahid Gishkori of The Express Tribune did just that. He slogged away for more than three years at what he did best – writing, reporting, investigating, chasing down a story and all the nitty-gritty involved in doing so – with intermittent success.
Anybody with less resolve would have packed up and found something else to do but not Zahid. Indeed, he strengthened his resolve, persevered some more while all the time working to hone his skills further in his adopted profession.
And it has paid off in spades.
Zahid has been named for the Canadian High Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Pakistani Journalism in the Public Interest as the runner-up in the print media category.
According to the Canadian High Commissioner, the award is recognition of Zahid’s report on the Airblue crash investigation which they cited as exemplifying the ideals of public interest reporting, demonstrating how the media serves as the 'fourth estate' of democracy.
What makes the nomination even more satisfying is that Zahid’s report was selected by a panel of eminent Pakistani journalists from a highly competitive field of nominations. Zahid will be presented the award on May 17 at the National Press Club in Islamabad.
It’s been a long haul for Zahid for whom journalism was not a first choice profession. Yet, he found it attractive enough to consider making it a career. “Back in 2007-2008 I did my CSS exam, but somehow found myself leaning towards journalism rather than civil service,” he says.
Zahid was born in Gishkori Nashib, a small village on the banks of the Indus in district Layyah and it was here that he completed his early and intermediate education before going on to get his Masters in English Literature in 2004 from the Bahauddin Zakaria University, Multan.
A two-month internship at Dawn convinced Zahid he was indeed on the right track and he followed up this initiation into the world of journalism with stints at INP, PPI, Pakistan Observer and The Nation.
Zahid got his first opportunity to prove his mettle as a correspondent with PPI and also as a research and material support resource for senior correspondents.
He returned to the print media proper as a special correspondent for the Pakistan Observer Islamabad covering human rights, economic and political issues before being given the responsibility of reporting on parliamentary, foreign ministry and diplomatic activities.
In March 2010 Zahid joined The Express Tribune and has been there since with the responsibilities of covering special events, environment, parliament and senate.
“It’s been an interesting time,” he says, “One that has provided me with a very real perspective on events. It has also been a learning experience… and that is why this award means so much. My hard work has borne fruit.”
That is a meaningful message for other young journalists and perfectly vindicates Zahid’s good work ethics: You work hard, you get. You don’t work hard and you don’t.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.