Kamal Siddiqi honored with Journalists of Courage Impact Award in Manila

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 24 June 2024

Kamal Siddiqi, a prominent Pakistani journalist, received the prestigious Journalists of Courage Impact Award in Manila. This recognition celebrates his unwavering commitment to truth and advocacy for press freedom amid challenges.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—In a moment of significant recognition, distinguished Pakistani journalist Kamal Siddiqi, was awarded the Journalists of Courage Impact Award at the East-West Center International Media Conference held in Manila, Philippines on Monday.

The award ceremony, part of the conference running from June 23 to 26, celebrates journalists who have exhibited extraordinary bravery and made a profound impact through their reporting. Siddiqi is the first Pakistani to receive the award.

Kamal Siddiqi's career has been marked by his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and holding power to account, often in the face of considerable danger. As the former editor of The Express Tribune in Pakistan and a staunch advocate for press freedom, Siddiqi's work has shone a spotlight on critical issues, ranging from human rights abuses to political corruption. He also served as the director of the Center for Excellence in Journalism at IBA in Karachi for five and a half years and until recently was the news director at Aaj News Television.

The six other journalists who received the awards were Sincha Dimara (Inside PNG), Tom Grundym (Hong Kong Free Press), Alan Miller (News Literacy Project, Washington DC), Soe Myint (Mizzima Media Group, Yangon, Myanmar), John Nery (Rappler, Manila), and Ana Marie Pamintuan (The Philippine Star).

The East-West Center International Media Conference is a prestigious gathering that brings together media professionals from around the world to discuss pressing issues in journalism, share innovative practices, and foster global cooperation. This year's event, themed around "Navigating the New Media Landscape," underscores the importance of resilient and brave journalism in today's rapidly changing media environment.

In accepting the award, Siddiqi highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan and around the world, emphasizing the need for continued support and solidarity within the global journalism community. He dedicated the award to his colleagues who have faced threats and violence in the line of duty, and to the enduring pursuit of truth.

Photo credit: eastwestcenter.org

KEY POINTS:

• Kamal Siddiqi is the first Pakistani to receive the award.
• The event was part of the East-West Center International Media Conference.
• Siddiqi has a history of reporting on human rights and political corruption.
• He dedicated the award to his colleagues facing threats in journalism.
• The conference emphasized the importance of resilient journalism today.