JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 04, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelThe BBC News Urdu flagship TV news program, Sairbeen, has changed its format and the way it looks and sounds, to better serve its diverse audiences.
With its innovative studio technology, Sairbeen is fully equipped to bring together in-depth journalism and what is happening on social media platforms, offering the viewer a comprehensive glance at the day’s key news and topical talking points.
The new-look Sairbeen features touchscreen technology which is pioneering for Pakistan’s TV scene. It allows the presenter to move between news stories, analysis, as well as four major social media platforms, highlighting the day’s main stories and tapping into conversations on what BBC News Urdu has dubbed as “Social-estan.”
The main presenter of Sairbeen, Aliya Nazki, comments: “The touchscreen is a great storytelling tool. It helps us overcome challenges that TV journalism faces at a time when social media platforms increasingly serve as key news sources. We hope that a wider range of viewers – including younger people, and women in particular – will find our fresher, innovative approach to news in this new-look Sairbeen, relatable.”
In its new edition, Sairbeen features more live voices and reports. A special weekly slot on Thursdays will bring conversations with newsmakers, thought-leaders, and experts.
BBC News Urdu Editor, Mehvish Hussain, adds: “The refreshed Sairbeen will further reinforce the BBC’s TV offer in Urdu. Supported by our news teams which work around the clock to keep our audience abreast of regional and global developments and conversations, the new-look Sairbeen makes our content even more relevant and engaging, thus helping our viewers to make more of the world around us.”
Sairbeen is broadcast live from London, at 19.00 PST (14.00 GMT) Monday to Friday, by the Pakistani TV channel, AAJ News.
Shahab Zuberi, Group COO of AAJ TV says: “We value the association with BBC News Urdu. For over five years, the broadcasting of Sairbeen has delivered objective and independent news to our audience in Pakistan and beyond. We are pleased to see the programme refreshed, new elements added, and we are confident it will receive good reception by AAJ TV and Sairbeen loyal audience base.”
Sairbeen is also streamed on the BBC News Urdu website bbc.com/urdu and is available on demand on the BBC News Urdu YouTube channel and Facebook page. – A BBC media release
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.