Why reading newspapers still matters: Top picks from Pakistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last year |  The Observer

In an era dominated by digital media and social networks, traditional newspapers continue to hold their ground, especially in the realm of quality journalism. Here are the top five English-language newspapers in Pakistan that you should read, along with reasons why they stand out and remain essential for readers, aspiring journalists, media professionals, and the general public.

1. Dawn
Dawn is Pakistan's oldest and most widely read English-language newspaper. Founded by Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, it has a rich legacy of delivering balanced and in-depth news coverage. Known for its editorial independence and investigative journalism, Dawn has been a torchbearer of press freedom in Pakistan.

Why Read:

In-depth Analysis: Provides comprehensive reports on political, economic, and social issues.
Credibility: Known for its unbiased and reliable reporting.
Educational Value: Great resource for aspiring journalists to learn about investigative journalism and balanced reporting.

2. The News International
Published by the Jang Group of Newspapers, The News International is one of Pakistan's most popular English dailies. It is known for its detailed coverage of national and international news, as well as its investigative reports.

Why Read:

Extensive Coverage: Offers a wide range of topics from politics to entertainment.
Investigative Reports: Known for uncovering significant stories that impact national discourse.
Professional Insights: Valuable for media professionals looking to understand comprehensive news reporting.

3. The Express Tribune
The Express Tribune is part of the Express Media Group and is published in collaboration with the International New York Times. It is noted for its modern design, engaging content, and focus on contemporary issues.

Why Read:

Modern Design: User-friendly layout and easy navigation.
Engaging Content: Covers current affairs with a modern perspective.
Global Perspective: Affiliation with the New York Times adds an international viewpoint, beneficial for readers interested in global issues.

4. Business Recorder
As Pakistan's premier financial daily, Business Recorder is the go-to source for business news, market trends, and economic analyses. It has established itself as an authority on economic journalism in Pakistan.

Why Read:

Economic Insights: Provides detailed reports on economic policies, market analysis, and business trends.
Specialized Content: Essential for business professionals, economists, and investors.
Educational Resource: A great tool for students and professionals in finance and economics.

5. Daily Times
Daily Times is renowned for its progressive stance and comprehensive coverage of socio-political issues. It is known for its liberal editorial policies and in-depth analysis of national and international events.

Why Read:

Progressive Views: Offers a liberal perspective on current affairs.
In-Depth Coverage: Known for detailed reports and editorials.
Educational Tool: Useful for understanding contemporary socio-political dynamics

6. Pakistan Today
Known for its bold and vibrant reporting style, Pakistan Today focuses on both national and international news with a critical eye. It brings a fresh perspective to conventional news coverage.

Why Read:

Critical Reporting: Offers bold opinions and critical analysis on current affairs.
Vibrant Content: Engages readers with its lively and direct approach.
Innovative Ideas: Stimulates thought and discussion.

The Importance of Reading Newspapers in the Digital Age

Despite the surge of social media and online news platforms, reading newspapers remains crucial for several reasons:

Credibility: Newspapers follow stringent editorial standards, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information.
Depth of Coverage: Articles in newspapers are often more detailed and thoroughly researched than the brief snippets found on social media.
Diverse Perspectives: Newspapers provide diverse viewpoints and in-depth editorials that help readers develop a well-rounded understanding of issues.
Archival Value: Printed newspapers serve as a historical record, preserving news for future reference.

Photo: AFP