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Zia-ul-Haq
paydesk has 22 reporters who cover Zia-ul-Haq. Our journalists are already on location, all over the world, and ready to work at a moment's notice. Our top correspondents who cover Zia-ul-Haq are Adnan Aamir and Hamraz Ahmad. Use our journalist directory to find an Zia-ul-Haq member to work for you.
Journalists Who Cover Zia-ul-Haq
Adnan Aamir
Adnan Aamir is an Award-Winning Journalist based in Quetta, Pakistan. He covers Business and Economics, development, media and socio-economic issues. He is also founder and Editor of Balochistan Voices, a community based online newspaper.
English
Feature Stories
Risk Analysis
Research
+3
Finance
Politics
Current Affairs
+8
Usually Responds Within a few days
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Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: The Forgotten Villain of Balochistan
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, once hailed as a democrat, is criticized for his antagonistic role in Balochistan during his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The article details how Bhutto's actions, including the dismissal of the National Awami Party government and the subsequent military operation, led to significant unrest and loss of life in Balochistan. Bhutto's undemocratic methods and autocratic leadership are highlighted as major factors that hindered the political integration and development of Balochistan. The narrative concludes with Bhutto's eventual downfall, marked by his unpopularity and the rigged elections of 1977, leading to his ousting by Zia-ul-Haq.
Opinionated
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Hamraz Ahmad
Hamraz Ahmad is a journalist.
English
Punjabi
Urdu
Research
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 2
Usually Responds Within a few minutes
Related Articles
How Imran Khan Leads a Cult Modeled In The State’s Own Image
Imran Khan, the ousted Prime Minister of Pakistan, is leading massive protests against his dismissal, claiming it was a result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), is accused of fostering a cult-like following, using religion to label opponents as enemies of the state. The article draws parallels between Khan's leadership and historical authoritarian trends in Pakistan, warning of a potential future marked by increased political and religious chauvinism. The resurgence of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and the Pakistani Taliban further complicates the political landscape.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center-Left
Political View
Javid Ahmad
Javid Ahmad is a journalist based in Srinagar, India.
English
Investigative Journalism
Fact Checking
Politics
War Reporter
Investigative Reporting
+1
Related Articles
Pakistan is opening a dangerous Pandora’s box with the Taliban
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks at the OIC meeting insulted Afghanistan by associating Pashtuns with the Taliban and opposing girls' education. Pakistan's long-term strategy to influence Afghanistan is evident as it treats the country as an extension of itself. The Pakistan military's ideology, rooted in jihad, has been a part of state ideology since General Zia-ul-Haq's era. The Taliban's ideology is being pushed by Pakistan, which risks igniting Pashtun nationalism. The Taliban's adherence to their own constitution and the emirate raises questions about the viability of a non-ideological Afghan state. Concerns about radicalization within Pakistan's military and internal tensions due to income discrepancies are also growing. By promoting the Taliban's ideology, Pakistan is opening a dangerous Pandora’s box that could be difficult to manage.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Mansoor Ahmed
An excited hard worker, looking for hardcore assignments to expose. Exploring myself, down to earth friendly but very strict for my work.
English
Urdu
Research
Photography
Live Reporting
+1
Fact Checking
Related Articles
The Importance Of Pakistan-Afghanistan Barter Trade
Pakistan and Afghanistan are enhancing their bilateral cooperation through barter trade, a system allowing commerce without money, to address economic challenges and the absence of a banking system in Afghanistan. The barter trade initiative aims to overcome dollar shortages and asset freezes by the US. Both countries have formed committees to recommend trade practices under this system. The Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment have expressed support for the initiative, which is expected to strengthen economic ties and benefit the people of Afghanistan. Pakistan is also considering opening additional border crossings to facilitate trade.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Christopher Allbritton
Christopher Allbritton is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.
Related Articles
Pakistan’s Dance With Terrorists Just Backfired and Killed 132 Children
The article critically examines Pakistan's long-standing policy of using extremist groups as strategic assets, highlighting the devastating consequences of such policies, as evidenced by the attack on a military school in Peshawar that killed 132 children. It calls for a reevaluation of Pakistan's security strategy and a shift away from supporting jihadist groups, emphasizing the need for a new national narrative that rejects extremism and promotes internal security and stability.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center-Left
Political View
Mohammed Harun Arsalai
Mohammed Harun Arsalai is an independent journalist - his work has been featured in the Nation, Al Jazeera, LA Times, TRT World, Muftah Magazine, The New Arab, OZY, AJ + among many others Mohammed is cofounder of the independent media project, Documenting Afghanistan. Currently on the based ...
English
Pashto
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Content Writing
+7
Politics
War Reporter
Investigative Reporting
+5
Related Articles
Iran’s Shifting Afghan Alliances Don’t Fit Easy Narratives
The assassination of Qassem Suleimani has sparked debates about Iran's pragmatic and opportunistic foreign policy, particularly in Afghanistan. Iran's alliances, including with the Taliban, are driven by strategic interests rather than ideological consistency. Historical context reveals Iran's flexible approach, from supporting Afghan mujahideen against the Soviet Union to collaborating with the U.S. post-9/11. Iran's relationship with the Taliban has evolved, influenced by mutual interests against the Islamic State. Suleimani's legacy includes controversial recruitment practices for the Fatemiyoun Brigade. Iran's actions in Afghanistan aim to secure its political project, highlighting the complexity of its regional role.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Kiyya Baloch
Kiyya Baloch is a freelance journalist from Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. He contributed to the Guardian, the Economist, Al Jazeera, the Diplomat Magazine and Daily Times. Baloch has more than six years’ experience working with various national and international media outlets ...
English
Punjabi
Urdu
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Corporate Content
+5
Politics
Current Affairs
War Reporter
+5
Jobs Completed 2
Usually Responds Within a few hours
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Rising Intolerance In Pakistan And Misuse Of Blasphemy Laws
In Pakistan, the Christian minority faces increasing intolerance and violence, exemplified by a recent mob attack on churches in Faisalabad. The incident coincided with former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's condemnation of Quran desecration in Sweden, highlighting the disparity in responses to religious offenses. Pakistan's history of Islamization, starting from its founding by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has led to a society deeply divided along religious lines. The enforcement of blasphemy laws has intensified under leaders like Zia-Ul-Haq, and even secular politicians like Imran Khan have utilized Islam for political gain. The result is a nation where religious and ethnic minorities, as well as different Muslim sects, face persecution and violence, with little hope for legal protection against mob attacks.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Syeda Sana Batool
Syeda Sana Batool is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan.
English
Journalism
Politics
Science & Environment
Natural Disasters
+3
Jobs Completed 3
Related Articles
Fighting the erasure of anti-Shia violence in Pakistan
The article discusses the systemic erasure of Shia identity in Pakistani media coverage of sectarian violence. It highlights an incident in March 2022 where a mosque in Peshawar was attacked, killing at least 58 people. The media was instructed to remove references to the Shia community, reflecting a broader trend of obscuring violence against religious minorities. The article examines the historical context of sectarian violence in Pakistan, tracing it back to post-Partition politics and the influence of Sunni revivalism. It also covers the role of the Pakistani state and media in downplaying such violence, and the efforts of activists to document it through alternative platforms like Violence Register PK and Shaheed Foundation Pakistan. These initiatives aim to provide a more accurate representation of the violence against marginalized communities and to offer support to the victims' families.
Jon Boone
A regional specialist, Jon Boone has been covering Pakistan for The Guardian and The Economist since 2012. Before moving to Islamabad he spent four years in Afghanistan reporting for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Economist.
English
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 8
Job Success Rate 100%
Related Articles
Pakistan election winner Nawaz Sharif tells rival Imran Khan to stop sledging
Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's next prime minister, urged his rival Imran Khan to accept the election results and stop alleging rigging. Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 124 seats, allowing him to govern without coalition partners, while Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 32 seats. Sharif addressed various issues, including US drone strikes, sectarian violence, and relations with India. He also promised to investigate the expulsion of a New York Times journalist. Sharif aims to improve the economy and tackle militancy, while maintaining a cautious stance towards the military.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center-Right
Political View
Laura Cesaretti
Laura Cesaretti is a journalist based in Kabul, Afghanistan.
English
Italian
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Risk Analysis
+5
Politics
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Related Articles
United in Struggle: Social Revolution of the Pashtun Borderlands
The Pashtun struggle spans from Kabul to Quetta, driven by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) led by Manzoor Pashteen. The movement highlights the marginalization and human rights abuses faced by Pashtuns due to the War on Terror. PTM's non-violent approach contrasts with the spontaneous violence in Afghanistan, aiming to revive the idea of Pashtunistan. The movement unites diverse groups, including women, against oppression, recalling the traditional Pashtun code of Pashtunwali. The article critiques the U.S.-led coalition and Pakistan's military state for their roles in exacerbating the Pashtun plight.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Anuj Chopra
Anuj Chopra is a journalist based in Kabol, Afghanistan.
English
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Corporate Content
+6
Fact Checking
Related Articles
How Pakistan Fell in Love With Bollywood
The article explores the complex cultural relationship between Pakistan and Bollywood, highlighting the popularity of the film 'My Name Is Khan' in Pakistan despite political tensions. It delves into the historical context of cultural exchanges and bans, the impact of political actions by groups like Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and the eventual lifting of the Bollywood ban by Pervez Musharraf. The narrative underscores the enduring love for Bollywood in Pakistan amidst political and cultural barriers.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Yüksel Durgut
Yüksel Durgut is a journalist based in Dortmund, Germany. He is in the fields since 1994. He worked for a Turkish News Agency. He covered Afghanistan and Pakistan about ten years. He wrote four books and hundreds of documentaries for many TV channels. Journalist, صحافي, журналист, روزنامه نگا,ر,...
English
Turkish
Urdu
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Documentaries
+9
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 5
Usually Responds Within a day
Related Articles
Reluctant Coup Leader
Pervez Musharraf, a general known for his secular stance and admiration for Atatürk, seized power in Pakistan through a military coup in 1999, shortly after the Kargil conflict with India. Despite his self-description as a 'reluctant coup leader,' he enjoyed the authority and aimed to cleanse the corrupt political system. His rule was marked by a mix of military and political maneuvers, including a referendum to legitimize his regime, and he faced little international backlash initially. Musharraf's tenure saw attempts to liberalize Pakistan and align with the West post-9/11, but also controversies such as the killing of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and the imposition of emergency rule in 2007, which led to his downfall. After resigning in 2008 amid fears of impeachment, he faced legal challenges, including a treason trial, and was eventually sentenced to death in absentia while living in exile in the UAE.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center
Political View
Umer Farooq
Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔
English
Pashto
Urdu
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Photography
+3
Natural Disasters
War Reporter
Breaking News
+2
Related Articles
The Erosion Of Islamic Modernity And Indian Secularism
The article discusses the erosion of Islamic modernity in Pakistan and Indian secularism, drawing parallels between the political trajectories of Narendar Modi and Zia-ul-Haq. It criticizes the US for supporting these leaders despite their human rights violations, highlighting the shift in American foreign policy towards India and Pakistan. The article also explores the rise of Hindu nationalism in India under Modi and the decline of secularism, drawing on historical and contemporary examples to argue that both countries are moving towards religious fundamentalism. The author expresses concern over the future of secular forces in India and the toxic political atmosphere in both countries.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Raza Hamdani
Raza Hamdani is a journalist, editor and trainer based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
English
Urdu
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Research
+4
Politics
Current Affairs
Natural Disasters
+9
Jobs Completed 4
Related Articles
Living as an Ahmadi in Pakistan: ‘Our home became an environment of fear’
The article explores the severe discrimination and persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, focusing on the personal experiences of Shafiq Ahmed and his family. Despite moving to Islamabad for safety, they continue to face social ostracism, threats, and economic boycotts. The piece criticizes the Pakistani government's failure to protect Ahmadis and highlights systemic issues, including discriminatory laws and societal attitudes. The narrative underscores the broader implications of religious intolerance and the need for governmental and societal change to ensure minority rights.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Anmol Irfan
Anmol Irfan is a journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has a BA in History from the London School of Economics. She is also the Founder of Perspective Magazine, an online magazine and community platform that seeks to empower marginalised voices and unheard stories in Pakistan. Her writing ...
English
Urdu
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Research
+1
Politics
Current Affairs
Arts & Books
+4
Jobs Completed 1
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Wearing the Sari is a Gesture of Freedom
The article explores the resurgence of the sari as a symbol of cultural identity and self-expression among young urban women in Pakistan. Historically associated with India and viewed as inappropriate for Muslim women, the sari is now embraced as a feminist statement and a challenge to traditional norms. Despite its controversial past, the sari is being reimagined with modern styles and combinations, reflecting a broader movement towards body positivity and cultural pride. The narrative highlights the evolving perceptions of fashion and identity in Pakistan, particularly among the middle and upper classes in urban areas like Karachi.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center-Left
Political View
Shaikh Israr
Shaikh Israr is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan.
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Fact Checking
Investigative Reporting
Fact Checking
Related Articles
How a market in Pakistan was named after a US President?
In August 1961, a fire in Shahi Bazaar of Larkana, the ancestral city of then Foreign Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, led to its complete destruction. Bhutto appealed for financial aid to rebuild the market, resulting in a surplus of funds even after reconstruction. The largest donation came from the American Embassy, prompting the new shopping center to be named after President John F. Kennedy. The market was managed by a charitable trust established by Bhutto until 1977 when General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law administration took control. In 1988, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto restored the trust, chaired by her mother Nusrat Bhutto. The market thrived for a time, offering scholarships, stipends for widows, and free dispensaries for poor women. However, the market's purpose has since diminished, with shops closed or repurposed as storage, and the trust's management is unclear.
Informative
Factuality Scale
Neutral
Political View
Sajad Jatoi
Sajad Jatoi is a freelance journalist based in Larkana, Pakistan. He has contributed to various publications which include The Diplomat, daily Dawn, daily The News International and monthly SouthAsia magazine.
English
Sindhi
Urdu
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Research
+2
Finance
Politics
Current Affairs
+7
Related Articles
Genuine reforms
Pakistan's education system is underperforming, with a high illiteracy rate and graduates ill-prepared for the workforce. The Single National Curriculum (SNC) introduced by the government aims to provide equal educational opportunities and integrate madressahs into the mainstream, teaching modern subjects and conducting board exams. However, past attempts at reform have failed, and the SNC faces challenges such as the need for a large number of qualified religious teachers, economic constraints, and potential disharmony between the provinces and the federal government. Sindh has already opted out of implementing the SNC. The author suggests that the federal government should work with provinces to overhaul their educational systems, address teacher shortages, and improve school supervision and teacher training.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Tahir Khan
Tahir Khan is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I started journalism in 1990 and worked in several media outlets. I hosted TV programms for an Urdu and two Pashto-language TV channels. I write on foreign affairs and security issues. My area of interest is militancy, terrorism, ...
English
Journalism
War Reporter
Jobs Completed 8
Job Success Rate 89%
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Despite Tensions, Pak-Afghan Trade Talks Make Significant Progress
A four-member Pakistani delegation led by Secretary of Commerce Khurram Agha arrived in Kabul for trade talks with Afghan officials, despite ongoing tensions. The discussions, led on the Afghan side by Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, aim to address bilateral trade and transit issues. This marks the first Pakistani visit since airstrikes in March 2023. Key issues include smuggling prevention and delays in transit trade clearance at Karachi ports. Afghan officials have expressed concerns over Pakistan's recent tariffs and restrictions, which have led Afghan traders to turn to Iranian ports. Both nations recognize the importance of separating trade from political issues to foster better relations and economic stability.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Mohsin Saleem Ullah
mohsin saleem ullah is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
English
Research
Fact Checking
Research
Fact Checking
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Constitutional courts
The article discusses the extensive jurisdiction and backlog of cases in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, highlighting the need for a separate constitutional court to handle constitutional petitions and parliamentary actions. The idea, first proposed in the 2006 Charter of Democracy, aims to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court and ensure speedy justice. However, the current government's intentions behind this proposal are questioned, and the implementation would require significant constitutional amendments and parliamentary debates. The article underscores the importance of judicial independence and specialized benches for constitutional cases.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Center-Left
Political View
Kaukab Tahir Shairani
An award-winning multimedia journalist from Pakistan with three years of experience of covering breaking news on the digital news desk and on reporting feature stories on human rights, politics and gender. I also have the skillset for documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism. ...
English
Feature Stories
Fact Checking
Cultural
Fact Checking
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Behind Pakistani Feminists’ Fight for Rights
On International Women's Day, Pakistani women faced opposition from religious hardliners during the largest women's day demonstration in the country. The protestors, demanding equality and rights, were attacked by clerics from Lal Masjid and opposed by Islamist groups. The slogan 'my body, my choice' sparked controversy, with conservatives labeling it un-Islamic. The article traces the historical struggle against religious extremism and patriarchy in Pakistan, highlighting the role of political figures and religious groups in shaping the current climate of intolerance. Despite the challenges, Pakistani women continue to protest for their rights, facing resistance from both religious fanatics and educated segments of society.
Balanced
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View
Amarjit Singh
AMARJIT SINGH is a journalist. PGD IN JOURNALISM AND MASS COM. GRADUATED FROM PUNJABI UNIVERSITY PATIALA. HAVE WORKED WORKED WITH LEADING HINDI NEWSPAPERS. WORKED AS EDITOR WITH A NATIONAL PUNJABI DAILY, DEPUTY EDITOR AND POLITICAL EDITOR WITH HINDI DAILIES. HAVE WRITTEN FOR WELL KNOWN HINDI ...
English
Hindi
Punjabi
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
News Gathering
Feature Stories
+4
Politics
Current Affairs
Natural Disasters
+2
Related Articles
It took Pakistan three defeats to understand the flaw in its war strategy against India
The article analyzes Pakistan's military strategies and their failures in conflicts with India, highlighting key historical events such as the 1947-48 Kashmir war, the 1965 war, the 1971 war, and the Kargil conflict. It discusses the influence of external powers like the US and China, the evolution of Pakistan's military tactics from offensive to defensive, and the role of religious ideology in shaping military behavior. The author criticizes the Pakistan Army's strategic miscalculations and the resulting humiliations, suggesting that these have led to a reliance on unconventional warfare and terrorism.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Center-Right
Political View
Khaled Sulaiman
Khaled Sulaiman is a journalist based in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Arabic
Fixing
Arts & Books
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Turkey on the Path of Pakistan
The article draws parallels between recent terrorist attacks in Turkey and the historical radicalization in Pakistan during the 1980s. It criticizes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's policies, comparing them to those of Pakistani military ruler Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, which led to increased radicalization and violence. The piece highlights the role of jihadist movements and the influence of radical Islamist ideologies, suggesting that Turkey is on a similar path to Pakistan's past. Key figures such as Sezgin Tanrıkulu and Ahmet Davutoğlu are mentioned in the context of questioning government actions and controversial remarks.
Interpretive
Factuality Scale
Left
Political View