Canadian High Commissioner Ross Hynes Presents Awards for Pakistani Journalism in the Public Interest
Ross Hynes presented the inaugural Canadian High Commissioner’s Awards for Pakistani Journalism
Islamabad, May 17, 2012 - Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ross Hynes presented the inaugural Canadian High Commissioner’s Awards for Pakistani Journalism in the Public Interest in a ceremony today hosted by the National Press Club.
Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Hynes stated “In Pakistan, the flourishing of the free media and development of responsible journalism have been critical to the strengthening of democracy over the past decade. Pakistani journalists are serving their country on the front lines, shining light in dark places in the face of intimidation and threats. Today, we want to express our support for the Pakistani media community by celebrating journalism that focuses attention on the public interest – the issues that matter to Pakistanis.”
High Commissioner Hynes presented the following awards:
- PRINT JOURNALISM WINNER: Mubarek Zeb Khan (Dawn) for his reporting investigating the extent of tax fraud and corruption.
- PRINT JOURNALISM RUNNER-UP: Zahid Gishkori (Express Tribune) for his report on the Airblue plane crash investigation.
- TELEVISION/RADIO WINNER: Masood Raza (Geo TV) for his reporting on the prevalence of the narcotic gutka and the lack of enforcement on its ban.
- TELEVISION/RADIO RUNNER UP: Zakia Manzoor (Samaa TV) for her reporting on the social obstacles to a woman obtaining a divorce.
- JOURNALISTS UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE: Uneeba Waqar (GEO TV) for her reports on the heroin market and the energy crisis.
The submissions were judged on the basis of professionalism and impact with regard to how the reporting serves the public interest by advancing public policy discussion and strengthening government accountability to the public. The criteria are inspired by the prestigious Michener Awards for meritorious public service journalism in Canada.
Eminent Pakistani journalists Azhar Abbas, Mariana Babar, Moeed Pirzada, Murtaza Solangi and Najam Sethi and Canadian journalist resident in Pakistan Kathy Gannon designed this award and reviewed the submissions with the support of the Canadian High Commission.
The Canadian High Commissioner’s Awards for Pakistani Journalism in the Public Interest shall be bestowed on an annual basis. The High Commission will be accepting submissions for next year’s awards in early 2013.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Fareeha Iftikhar
Media Officer
Canadian High Commission
fareeha.iftikhar@international.gc.ca
+92-51-208-6217
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