Asma Shirazi

Asma Shirazi is a distinguished journalist, senior anchor-person, and editor of Current Affairs at Aaj News. She hosts a powerful talk show on Aaj News Television, known for its authority and independence. In 2014, she was honoured with the prestigious Peter Mackler Award for Courage and Ethical Journalism, an international recognition presented jointly by PMaward, Associated French Press (AFP), Reporters Without Borders, and the International Union of Journalists (IUJ) at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. This award is conferred to only one journalist globally each year. Notably, Asma Shirazi is Pakistan’s first female war correspondent. Despite facing threats and personal risks, she has consistently demonstrated courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth. Her show, ‘Faisla Aap Ka,’ is highly regarded for its independence and integrity, making her an inspirational figure for young reporters in Pakistan. In 2006, she reported from the frontlines of the Lebanon-Israel War for Geo News, an independent media group. While covering the conflict, she narrowly escaped Israeli missile attacks twice and ventured into evacuation zones to provide on-ground coverage. She and her team were even captured by Hezbollah fighters but were released after confirming their identities. During General Pervez Musharraf’s 2007 state of emergency, she, along with five male TV anchors, faced a ban from the airwaves. Despite being offered bribes and enduring death threats, she continued her fight for freedom of information, even experiencing an attack by police officials while doing live coverage. In 2009, Asma Shirazi reported from the Swat valley on the Afghanistan border, documenting terrorist atrocities and interviewing suicide bombers. Her fearless reporting led to death threats from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Asma Shirazi’s journalistic endeavours have extended beyond war coverage; she has also reported on humanitarian crises, such as the 2005 earthquake in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. In this capacity, she entered the devastated city of Balakot, where tens of thousands had perished. Her 12-day reporting from the heart of the tragedy, once again as the sole woman reporter, exemplifies her dedication. Throughout her 20-year career, Asma Shirazi has faced physical dangers, death threats, and intimidation tactics. Yet, she has garnered immense respect from both superiors and colleagues, refusing to yield to pressures, whether they originated from authorities or extremists.