JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 20, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channelKARACHI: The Centre for Excellence in Journalism at the Institute of Business Administration (CEJ-IBA), Karachi and Center for Communication Programs Pakistan (CCPP) in partnership with Palladium Pakistan organized the Awards for Excellence in Journalism “Lab Azad” Wednesday.
Twelve journalists received the awards in rights based reporting for news stories published between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 at a ceremony at CEJ.
The winners in each of the four categories are as follows:
Mainstream broadcast (TV/Radio)
Mainstream print/online- English
Mainstream print/online - Urdu
District Correspondents
Speaking on the occasion, CEJ Director Kamal Siddiqi said: “I am happy that we continue this partnership with CCPP and Palladium Pakistan as it helps recognize rights based reporting.”
He added that the CEJ would start its Masters in Journalism program next year so they would try and introduce rights-based reporting in the syllabus.
The panel of judges included Rahimullah Yusufzai, Resident Editor of The News Peshawar, Afiya Zia, scholar and contributor to Dawn, Farah Zia, Editor The News on Sunday and Hafiz Tariq Mehmood, Director News at News One TV.
On awarding journalists for rights based reporting, Rahimullah Yusufzai said these awards will encourage journalists to write on socio-economic issues that have a direct impact on the lives of people.
Commenting on the importance of such initiatives, chief guest Javed Jabbar said the CEJ-CCPP awards will help inspire journalists to new heights. He added that the CEJ maintains a commitment to qualitative human resource development in journalism.
Award winner Shumaila Jaffery said she was deeply humbled and honored. “I am sure that these awards will motivate journalists to focus more on human rights, health issues and women development. These topics are under reported and considered less important.”
Yousaf Ajab Baloch, who won an award in the category of mainstream print/online said: “It is a success for all journalists in Balochistan who have been striving to ensure truth and accuracy and become a voice of the voiceless through digital journalism.”
Sharing the idea behind having awards for a specific category, CCPP Director Atif Ikram said through these awards, their aim is to promote and recognize beat reporting, especially the so-called softer subjects in Pakistan. “We want this award to be independent, impartial and owned by the journalist community at large.”
One of the award categories of women rights with focus on reproductive health and family planning was sponsored by Sukh Initiative.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Arshad Saeed Husain, CEO Aman Health Care Services; Dr. Fayaz Ahmed, Team leader EVA-BHN (Palladium Pakistan); and Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Dean and Director IBA; and Azhar Abbas MD Geo News. - CEJ press release
February 11, 2025: The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.
February 09, 2025: Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.
February 08, 2025: As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.
February 07, 2025: PTV pensioners staged nationwide protests demanding their unpaid pensions, medical benefits, and dues for nearly 400 retirees. Protesters, supported by PFUJ, criticized PTV management for corruption and lavish expenses while neglecting retirees' rights.
February 06, 2025: PFUJ has challenged the controversial PECA Act 2025 in the Islamabad High Court, citing it as an attack on press freedom. Journalists and rights organizations protest the law’s implications for free speech and media independence in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 29, 2025: As the White House welcomes podcasters and digital journalists, Pakistan tightens censorship through PECA amendments, silencing independent voices and forcing journalists into exile. A stark contrast in press freedom emerges.
January 29, 2025: Pakistan’s latest PECA amendments expand government control over social media, criminalize misinformation, and threaten freedom of expression. Media stakeholders and human rights groups condemn the draconian changes. Learn more about the implications for journalists and activists.
February 14, 2025 Justice remains elusive 16 years after the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, as Sri Lanka’s Attorney General orders the release of three key suspects. Journalist organizations strongly condemn the move, calling for urgent action to end impunity for crimes against the media.
February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.
February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.
February 05, 2025 The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the Indian government to stop targeting independent journalism after revoking the nonprofit and tax-exempt statuses of The Reporters’ Collective and The File. Learn how this impacts investigative reporting and media freedom in India.
February 04, 2025 Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has opened a criminal case for disclosure of state secrets following Ukrainska Pravda’s report on statements by military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. CPJ urges authorities to respect press freedom and journalist protections.