Mujahid Barelvi

Mujahid Barelvi is a veteran journalist from Pakistan. He is known for his questioning skills and journalistic integrity. He is well versed in both local and international politics and has traveled extensively worldwide.

Mujahid is a critic by all means with a strong and pro active analytical approach. His candid and obdurate style, keeps his audience enchanted, which is regularly observed in his current, weekly program "Live With Mujahid" for CNBC Pakistan. This show not only connects him with local viewers but provides access to interviewing guests, globally.

Mujahid was the first Pakistani journalist to enter Kabul in 1979, after the Soviet Invasion. He was also the secretary of the Karachi Press Club for two years from 1987. He has authored several articles for political journals and newspapers and six books on Afghanistan and Baluchistan.

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Masood Hamid

Masood Hamid  is a graduate from Karachi University and has done Post Graduate Courses from IBA (Institute of Business Administration – Karachi) and EPBA Columbia University – USA. He started his profession with M/s. Spectrum Communications from 1984 to 1985 and then joined DAWN Group of Newspapers in 1985 as a Manager Supplements. Done projects on Industries, promoting/marketing DAWN internationally. He was appointed General Manager in 1993 and was promoted as Senior General Manager in 2004. Presently serving as Director Marketing.

He attended various International Advertising Conferences and Newspaper Conferences abroad. He is Secretary, Marketing Association of Pakistan, Member of Marketing Association of Pakistan (2012 – 2015), Vice President of International Advertising Association (IAA) – Pakistan Chapter, Founder Member / Treasurer, Italian Development Council (IDC), Independent Trade body for the promotion of trade between Pakistan and Italy. Member MALPAK (Malaysia-Pakistan) Joint Business Council.

He served as Joint Secretary of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for the years 2006 – 2007. He was elected Secretary General, APNS for the term 2012-2013.

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Mehr Tarar

Mahr Tarar, a graduate of West Virginia University, the 45-year-old Lahore-based journalist is mother of  a 13 year old boy. She is reported to be separated from her husband, a rich businessman based out of Bahrain. She used to work with a Pakistani daily, but quit recently. It’s reported that she now works with the group’s business channel. Another Lahore-based journo, who has worked with Mehr, describes her as “competitive”.

Did she know Shashi Tharoor? Well, in an interview to an Indian media publication, she said, “I met him in April last year for an interview in India. Then I met him in June in Dubai at a social gathering. Yes, I have been in touch with him once in a while on Twitter and email.”

Tarar had come to New Delhi in December last year to interview Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah. He told Hindustan Times that he agreed to the interview because there was a request from Tharoor’s office. However, on her December visit, she didn’t get to meet Tharoor who was in his constituency in Kerala.

Mehr has also told a publication that she kept in touch with the minister because she wanted to write a book on Kerala. “I used to send him my articles and he used to send me his comments, etc. But that was all,” she said.

 Another Indian media website reports that in her Pakistan newspaper column, My Corner,  dated October 20, 2013, she  wrote: “Whether they read my tweets or not is immaterial to the secret glee that at any given time I can gush over Amitabh Bachchan's latest movie, swoon over Channing Tatum's eyes, eulogise Nicholas Kristof's wisdom, retweet Imran Khan's wishes for Pakistan, smile reading Ronan Farrow's inimitable wry humour (his movie star looks are just an added bonus), be moved by Christiane Amanpour's heartfelt words on Syrian refugees, awww at SRK's love for life, or praise Shashi Tharoor for his very cool words (man, his voice is mesmerizing!).”

Interestingly, in the same column, she also hinted at the presence of a "special person" in her life without naming him: “...here's to that special one (you know who you are!) who makes Twitter an experience to cherish...forever. Thank you...,” reports the website.

Tarar was quite upset with the whole Twitter face-off, but what hurt her most was Pushkar calling her an “ISI agent”. On Thursday, Mehr told Hindustan Times, “Please tell Sunanda she can call me anything but not an ISI agent. My son is very upset.”

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Nigar Nazar

Nigar Nazar, the first woman cartoonist of Pakistan and perhaps of the entire Muslim world, has for over 30 years rendered pictorial humor with a down to earth pragmatism. These highly expressive cartoons have provided cheer on gloomy 

days and attempt to expose the hypocrisy of society. Gogi cartoons have appeared in newspapers, magazines and television around the world. In 2004, her cartoons were put on the exterior of nine public buses in Islamabad, three in Lahore and two coasters plying between Gujar khan and Mirpur.

The children all wanted to ride the colorful "Gogi-buses." For her charitable work, Nigar has received many commendations and honors from organizations such as: UNICEF, Bishkek International School, Kinnaird College for Women Lahore, International Charity Group Maputo, The World Festival of Australia, Pan Pacific, and South East Asia Women's Association. The Government of Pakistan conferred on her Fatima Jinnah award and Wateen has featured her as the ICON 2010 (among eleven males) in their diary and desk calendar.

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Zia Mohyeddin

Zia Mohyeddin was born in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad) into a family of scholars and aesthetes. He took off for Australia after his degree in philosphy from where his fame started. He went on to the famed Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1953 and soon began a successful career on the boards.

Mr Mohyeddin starred in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and made his West End debut playing Dr Aziz in EM Forster’s Passage to India. Mr Mohyeddin was a smash on Broadway, too. Stints on the BBC and ITV followed. At the peak of his career, he decided to move back home.

He returned to Pakistan in the 1960s, hosting the Zia Mohyeddin show on PTV. He set up the PIA Arts and Dance Academy the following decade. The arts academy toured the world and performed at the Madison Square Garden and for Queen Elizabeth II. When Gen Ziaul Haq effectively banned the arts in the 1980s, He once again, left for London.

In February 2005 he was invited by  President Pervez Musharraf  to act as Chairman of the new National Academy of Performing Arts in Karachi.

Sonya Jehan

She was born to Noor Jehan's eldest son, Akbar Hussain Rizvi and Florence Rizvi who is French. Her mother owns a French restaurant named Cafe Flo in
Karachi, Pakistan. She finished her A-Level study from The Lyceum School and O-levels from Centre of Advanced Studies. From St. Martin's College of Art and Design she received a degree.

Sonya married an Indian banker named Vivek Narain. 

She changed her name from Sonya Rizvi to Sonya Jehan after her grandmother Noor Jehan's name. 

CAREER
In 2005 she did an advertisment for Lux Soap. She started her film career as Mumtaaj mahal in Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005). Actor and model Zulfi Sayed played the role of Shah Jahan opposite her. In 2007 she appeared in Shiney Ahuja and Soha Ali Khan starring Khoya Khoya Chand where she played a character named Ratanbala. 

Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan (2010) is her upcoming release. Superstar Shahrukh Khan and Kajol are playing the lead roles in this film.

Laiba Yousafzai

Ms Laiba Yousafzai has M.A Journalism and MA English Literature & Language from University of Peshawar.  She has an extensive background of print and electronic media where she worked as Programme Director, producer, scriptwriter and anchor with different National and International TV Channels  including  Current Affairs, Parliamentary News, Khost based local TV namely Ghorghst TV, Zuban-e-Khalq and Nan Saba on PTV Channels.  During this period, she continued to produce and directed about 350 programmes on various subject like social issues, literature, political and social discussion. More significantly, she has presented documentaries on Kalash and Ghandara Civilization in three languages i.e. Urdu, Pushtu and English. While working for Community Infrastructure Project( CIP) she was engaged in  13 documentaries. She has also worked for Radio Pakistan,  Radio Mashal, Free Europe, Pushtu Radio “ Buraq” and also worked with BBC during Floods in Pakistan as an anchor and editor.

Amir Zia

Amir Zia has worked for some of the leading national and international media organizations in a journalistic career spanning more than 20 years. He writes mainly on Pakistan economy, politics and extremism. Currently, Zia is associated with one of Pakistan's leading English-language newspaper, The News, as Business Editor. Before joining The News in March 2010, he served as Director News & Current Affairs of Urdu-language private news channel SAMAA. 

He has also worked for The Associated Press of America, Reuters and monthly magazine, Newsline. He had also been the Karachi Correspondent of Gulf News. Zia headed the Public Relations Department of Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) and served as the Editor of its corporate magazine “Progress.” Zia has received two APNS Awards for best stories on economy and general news in 1997. He was elected secretary of the Karachi Press Club in mid-1990s. Born in Karachi, Zia got early education from Nasra Secondary School. He obtained a Masters' degree in English Literature from the University of Karachi in 1990.

Khalid Anum

Khalid Anum is a popular Pakistani TV artist as well as a musician and singer. Khalid Anum rose to fame with 'Peera Ho', a single he wrote for the popular drama of the 1990's, Mystery Theatre. Khalid Anum is also a popular actor as well, and has acted in several Pakistan drama serials. He has been in the Pakistani media industry for over two decades, so it can easily be said that he is one of the experienced heads.

His acting skills have not gone unnoticed, and he is considered to be a very famous media personality. Moreover, Khalid Anum is also a TV presenter as well, and has hosted several television shows.

Khalid Zafar

He has one of the leading voices in the world of commercials and documentaries both on Television and 35mm cinema screen. He has performed in a number of TV serials, series and long plays as an actor in leading or second lead characters and has earned great applause as well as numerous awards he has been associated as applause as well as numerous awards ha has been associated as broadcaster in Urdu with radio Pakistan for 28 years.

As a journalist; Mr. Khalid Zafar published Pakistan's first video world magazine (weekly video news in English) and monthly video world in Urdu. He was the editor-in-chief and publisher of both these periodicals. He has written, produced and directed commercial and documentaries for Radio, Television and Cinema Screen. With the successful presentation of various TV Serials, Series, Shows and many other programmes, he established himself a competent Director as well.

Two and Half decades of successful running of NIDA Studios proves his capabilities and administrational as well a professional expertise. Now he is concentrating to induct Audio-Visual Professional Training Institute to open new vistas of Modern Communication. Apart from his professional expertise, the human side of hi personality is also quite visible. As per his vision, he is also working on public service by providing job opportunities, encouraging young and upcoming talent, looking for a platform and support through NIDA Professional Institute.

Madiha Iftikhar

Madiha Iftikhar (born on 5 February 1985) is a Pakistani drama actress and model.

Madiha Iftikhar was born to Iftikhar Ahmed and Rehana Iftikhar, in Islamabad, Pakistan. She is daughter of Rehana iftikhar.

Madiha Iftikhar began her acting career, at the age of 17 years, in Partition Aik Safar, one of the most expensive dramas ever produced in Pakistan.

She is currently the Brand Ambassador for Olivia Whitening Creme and has appeared in its advertisement campaigns in February 2011.

Iftikhar is single and resides in Karachi. Her looks are impressive and she is 5 ft 7 inches, being one of the tallest actresses and models in Pakistan.

Azfar Ali

Azfar Ali is a Karachi-based director and TV artist behind some of the most groundbreaking Pakistani TV productions of recent times. Having had professional training from the US and UK, and a rewarding experience in the local industry, Azfar Ali stands as a unique blend of talent; innovation and provocative satire that is finger-pointed almost universally back at him. His influences run deep into Pakistani TV history through the 90s and first decade of this century.

Mr. Azfar Ali made a debut in 1994 with guidance from Ghazanfar Ali at Combined Productions. Only six months later, he was given his own show as an associate director –Music Channel Charts. Azfar’s first show received a phenomenal reception nationwide as it turned into an exclusive podium for the nation’s music talent to gain TV audience. The show provided first such venue for Pakistani musicians as well as a creative lab for video directors, young producers, actors and associated professionals. The show was pivotal at an age where Pakistani pop music was emerging through its nascent evolutionary stage, and introduced to Pakistan emerging singers and music bands that soon became household names nationwide.

Azfar’s next hit show Video CountDown continued to remain a coveted spot in the weekly TV schedules for its more than 150 episodes. His direction portfolio expanded at a constant pace and he continued to turn his directions into memorable programs –Potluck (the foremost Pakistani cooking show; Director), Jaal (first Pakistani soap opera; Asst. Director), DAIRA (‘telefilm’ based on Mohsin Ahmad’s novel –Mothsmoke; director), Jo Baat Ghar Mei Hai (the first soap opera to be televised on Geo TV; Director) are some of the major landmarks both in his career and Pakistani TV.

Azfar’s most evolved creative work in direction, conceptualization and satire, as he puts it, are ‘more of an effort to connect to his audience, to share a viewpoint, and to force audience to attend to a particular issue at hand’. He has been behind some very provocative expressions of art on the screen pertaining to sociopolitical issues that have remained evasive of society’s discussion boards. His Telefilms ‘DAIRA’ and ‘Baarish Mei Deevar’ were critically acclaimed for highlighting sociopolitical injustices; the launch video of Laal Band during lawyer’s movement for ‘Umeed e Seher’ remains Azfar’s creative feat for enacting the suffocation omnipresent in Pakistan’s urban metropolises.

In 2004, Azfar teamed up with Mani to form a duo that created an unforeseen fan following of their late-night radio show, turning both of them into youth icons at the forefront of a new style of using mass media. Known for stirring controversies, the show hinted a brewing urban culture which was yet to find its ways into mainstream media.

Azfar Ali’s most distinguishing claim to fame is his style of humor which has found its way into TV productions in general. ‘Sub Set Hai’, the first sitcom Azfar directed and acted in, popularized a new style of TV shows that got amply replicated in the industry. ‘Ab Set Hai’ continued the sequel with yet another humorous journey of the same characters. His other direction ‘Mei Aur Tum’ remained well received for its more than 100 episodes.

Azfar Ali has remained Vice President of ARY Music (Formerly The Muzik) from ­­­­2006 to 2007. He is also working with Geo as an executive producer for AAG TV, and is currently the head of AAG Films. He has studied Graphics Design from Barnet College London; and Concept Writing and Idea Development from Miami Advertising College, USA. (azfarali.com)

Tabinda Lari

My father Mumtaz Ahmed Lari (late) was employed at State Bank of Pakistan. We used to live in State Bank flats and I studied in State Bank’s school. From very beginning I was involved in extra curricular activities like songs, plays and sports etc and I was quite famous for having a sweet voice in my school. When I was in class 5, one of my father’s colleagues Raees Ahmed who was the son of famous news caster of Radio Mr. Shakeel, took me to radio where I sang a national song in the remaining 3 minutes of currently running program at that time. When the program was ended Mr. Zafar Siddiqui (Bhaijan) asked me to give audition that was a big honor for me. So I started off at radio from children’s program. I kept singing for children’s program at radio till my matriculation. I wrote lots of stories for children’s radio program “Aoo Bachoon Kahani suno” as well. I also took part in different essay competitions and won at different levels. I was too fond of reading books as instigated by my school. I didn’t play with dolls. Wherever I went I always kept a book with me. (Kalpoint)

I wanted to pursue in singing which my father never liked but gradually as the time passed I realized that the kind of respect I got from Naat Khwani, I would never had gotten from singing. After doing intermediate I joined Jang Group as columnist and along with it I started writing for many other publications as well. My education and journalism was going side by side. It was Marshal Law in place at that time and I wasn’t aware of the danger that might occur due to my writing as I was new to the newspaper. I kept writing freely that gave me a perception of being a daring lady who wasn’t afraid of anyone. I worked at Jang from 1977 to 1996. After doing my Masters I came in to marketing as I am the one who has studied journalism very carefully and has implemented as well. Since I had studied marketing and advertising in my Masters I joined a cosmetics company as its advertising manager. Once you are an established journalist you can carry on while excelling in other areas as well so I did the same. I used to be in office from 9 to 5 and for 2 hours in the evening I used to go to newspaper to pursue my interest of journalism.

I left writing for some times during the shifting of my job at different companies and at the demise of my father. Now I am working at a food company as its corporate head having more than 20 years of marketing & advertising experience. I have kept myself abreast with all the latest developments and changes in marketing domain so I have a clear view of all marketing trends of today and yesteryears. Currently I am also the executive editor of a magazine. What ever I wanted to do I did it with the support of my parents & my brothers and after marriage I am blessed to have such a husband who has always been by my side.

Sidra Iqbal

Sidra Iqbal is an internationally acclaimed young celebrity public speaker of Pakistan and has been a passionate debater since her school days. She held the honor of being the youngest finalist amongst 167 participants from all over the country at the Prime Minister's Shield 1999, the most coveted All-Pakistan Debating Championship.

In summer 2006, Sidra was awarded a full scholarship to attend the International Relations Summer Program at the Oxford University, UK. After completing her research program, Sidra returned to pursue her calling in television talk show production & hosting and has many hard-hitting productions to her credit. Recognizing her excellent presentation skills, creative firepower and solid teaching ability she has been recently recruited to head the Public Relations division at Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan.

In 1999, she became the first Pakistani to win the prestigious English Speaking Union's International Public Speaking Championship in London, UK. She emerged a winner amongst 58 participants from 28 different countries, an accomplishment for which, she was feted at the Buckingham Palace and awarded the winner's certificate by HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.

This achievement propelled her personal and professional growth. What followed was a globe-trotting episode of eloquently representing the Pakistani youth at a number of highly esteemed and power packed conventions and forums.

Fauzia Shamshad

Fauzia Shamshad CEO at Media Axis, started her career at the age of 17 years as a Medical rep for Wyeth lab, Pakistan for RawalPindi /Islamabad. Later got the opportunity to work as a Media Executive for a leading advertising agency of UAE. A business school graduate , experience includes at national and international level marketing of print and electronic media , head of Dept in Data communication company. Life took turns and Fauzia landed the position of Account Director at the prestigious firm, Manhattan Leo Burnett where she made landmark qualitative contributions through her exposure and diverse knowledge

Made affiliation with Starcom and set up the operation and headed the company for 3 years.

Set up Media Axis and built repute as an upcoming professional outfit by getting on board clients MNC's and Local Clients.

Pioneer in Pakistan of initiating and setting up Media Planning and Buying concept making use of media optimizing tools and research focused planning.

 She gained experience overtime in Marketing Sales, Customer Services, Media. Setting up operations from scratch for Customer Services, Client relations, PR and setting up new operations has become her forte. Her insight and experience makes her an amazing leader and she leads by example and influences her entire team to work with dedication and honesty.

Her firm belief in empowering employees and encouraging them to take mature decisions ripples a positive effect through the entire organization.

Ahmed Jamal Mir

Ahmed Jamal Mir, Managing Director & Chief Executive of PRESTIGE COMMUNICATIONS PAKISTAN (A GREY GLOBAL AFFILIATE). In his capacity as CEO, Jamal has worked passionately to breed a culture of best practices and creative excellence. He has infused Prestige with energetic leadership and his skills have outlined the story of the agency’s development from a strong national to a multinational agency. Jamal has a broad experience of developing and managing market-leading, local and multinational clients including English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), ZIL Limited, Packages, BAT, GSK, Standard Chartered, Danone and Sony.

Jamal’s vision for the growth of the agency and the advertising industry at large has earned him key positions at the Advertising Association of Pakistan, Marketing Association of Pakistan and American Business Council. Jamal’s love for cricket and his pursuit of new directions in advertising and marketing led to his association with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Jamal has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Syed Jawaid Iqbal

Syed Jawaid Iqbal, President and CEO Corporate & Marketing Communications (CMC) Private Limited, began his professional career in 1972 with (now) Lowe Lintas, one of the world’s leading advertising agencies. Jawaid is a law graduate who has acquired immense expertise in the field of image promotion. Due to his analytical mind he has gained insight into the fluctuating and volatile economic scene and the resultant progressive corporate activity. Utilizing his experience and skills and tapping them to their full potential, in the early eighties Jawaid launched CMC, which is successfully meeting the emerging challenges in image marketing and highly advanced PR techniques.

Jawaid Iqbal, who is generally known in the industry as JI, has been able to successfully synchronize theoretical and practical demands of Public Relations in achieving desired objectives.

Widely traveled, Jawaid has represented Pakistan in many regional and international forums. He has been Chairman Pakistan chapter of the Colombo based South Asia Media Association (SAMA). He is also actively associated with a number of social welfare organizations and contributes to leading newspapers, writing on social and professional issues as well as international affairs. He has to his credit successful presentation of Television talk shows on current affairs and interviewing a number of leaders for various terrestrial and satellite channels.

Syed Sarmad Ali

Sarmad Ali is the Managing Director Marketing & Advertising Sales of Jang Group. He is responsible for marketing and advertising sales of print, electronic and online brands of the group. This included eight of the country’s leading print titles including Jang, and The News: and FM 101. Sarmad has over twenty years experience in marketing, advertising and media management. He has been associated with the Jang Group since 1994 when he joined the group as Executive Director of The News. In 1997 he took over as the Group’s Executive Director Marketing & Advertising Sales and was promoted as Managing Director in 2006. Prior to joining the Jang Group, Sarmad had been associated with some of the country’s leading advertising companies including IAL/Saatchi, where he worked as Director Client Services from 1987 to 1993. Described as of one of Pakistan’s marketing thought leaders, Sarmad has been thrice the President of Marketing Association of Pakistan. In 1999, he was awarded the coveted Marketing Excellence Award for his contribution in the field of Marketing. 

He is presently Prisident of the International Advertising Association’s Pakistan Chapter. He has previously served as Council Member of the Management Association of Pakistan and has also been on the Board of Director of the Asia Pacific Marketing Federation and the Executive Council of Market Research Society of Pakistan. He represents the Jang Group in the All Pakistan Newspapers Society. He has also served as member of the Prime Minister’s Task force on Privatization & Investment in 2003 and the Sindh IT Board from 2001-2003. Sarmad has also been on the Board of Governors of the Worldwide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P). Sarmad was responsible for setting up Pakistan’s first television audience measurement system in 1991. He has a master’s degree from Villanova University, Pa, USA. He served as Joint Secretary of APNS for the year 2007 2008 and 2009.