The News still without a resident editor

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 November 2012

The News is currently without a resident editor, following the exit of Muhammad Malick four months ago. While Salim Bokhari and Amir Mateen were potential successors, no appointments have been made yet.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Four months after Muhammad Malick quit, The News continues to operate without a resident editor in Islamabad. When Malick parted ways with the newspaper to join Dunya Group in July, insiders tipped veteran Salim Bokhari to become the new editor.

Another senior journalist Amir Mateen was also reportedly in the run for the slot.

However, months later, all rumors and tips have been laid to rest and there appear no signs whatsoever of a new editor coming in.

Those familiar with the paper’s working tell JournalismPakistan.com this is nothing unusual at the Islamabad-Rawalpindi centre. The News has previously seen prolonged periods without a resident editor, they say.

In such a situation, the news editor edits and brings out the paper as Qamar Abbas, a desk veteran, does so now.

Besides, those in the know also point out that some of the past resident editors were mere show-pieces with little say in editorial decision-making.

The News is one of the top-read English-language dailies in Pakistan.

KEY POINTS:

• Muhammad Malick left The News in July.
• Salim Bokhari and Amir Mateen were considered for the editor position.
• The newspaper has a history of prolonged vacancies in the editor role.
• Currently, news editor Qamar Abbas is managing editorial duties.
• Some past resident editors had limited influence on editorial decisions.