Behzad Alam Khan: Senior Pakistani Journalist and Editor of Dawn

Behzad Alam Khan is a senior Pakistani journalist and newspaper editor who has held prominent editorial positions in the country's English-language print media. Recognised for his extensive newsroom experience and editorial leadership, he has been associated with two of Pakistan's leading English-language newspapers, Dawn and The News International.

Khan has built his professional reputation through years of service in journalism, editorial management and news reporting. His experience includes overseeing newsroom operations and supervising editorial coverage across major cities in Pakistan.

Career at Dawn

Behzad Alam Khan has a long-standing professional association with Dawn, one of Pakistan's oldest and most respected English-language newspapers. He served as the newspaper's News Editor, playing an important role in its newsroom operations and editorial processes.

In February 2022, Khan resigned from his position as News Editor at Dawn and subsequently joined The News International as Editor. His move marked a new chapter in his journalism career.

Leadership at The News International

At The News International, Khan served in a senior editorial capacity and later took on responsibilities as Group Editor. In this role, he supervised the editorial operations of the newspaper's Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad editions.

His responsibilities involved coordinating editorial coverage across the three major editions and helping maintain the newspaper's journalistic standards. His tenure at The News International further strengthened his experience in managing a major English-language newspaper's editorial operations.

Return to Dawn as Editor

Behzad Alam Khan resigned from The News International in October 2026 and assumed the position of Editor at Dawn. His appointment represents a significant development in Pakistan's English-language newspaper industry, bringing him back to an organisation with which he has a long professional history.

His return to Dawn in its top editorial position reflects his extensive experience in newsroom management and newspaper editing. The appointment has reportedly been welcomed by members of the journalistic community, including senior journalists and columnists.

Professional Standing

Khan is a professional, impartial and principled editor. His career across Dawn and The News International highlights his involvement in editorial decision-making, newsroom leadership and the supervision of news coverage.

As a senior figure in Pakistani English-language journalism, Behzad Alam Khan's professional journey illustrates the importance of experienced editorial leadership in the country's media landscape.

Disclaimer

This profile has been prepared for informational purposes on the basis of the information provided. Readers are encouraged to consult reliable sources for confirmation of current positions and professional history.

Any corrections or additional verified information may be submitted to the editorial team of Who is Who in Pakistan.

Mahmood Sham: Eminent Pakistani Journalist, Poet, Author, and Political Analyst

Tariq Mahmood Sham is one of Pakistan’s most distinguished and respected figures in print journalism, literature, and political analysis. Born on February 5, 1940, he holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Government College Lahore. Over a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a stalwart of Urdu journalism, a prolific author, and a veteran observer of national and international politics.

Journalistic Career & Media Leadership Mahmood Sham served as the Group Editor of Daily Jang—Pakistan’s largest Urdu newspaper—for 16 consecutive years, playing a crucial role in shaping the outlet's editorial vision and coverage. On September 21, 2010, he joined the ARY Digital Group to launch a new daily newspaper. Currently, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Monthly Atraaf Karachi, a premier family magazine.

High-Profile Interviews & Global Interactions Throughout his extensive journalistic career, Mahmood Sham has interviewed numerous prominent world leaders, political figures, and statesmen, including:

Yasser Arafat

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Indira Gandhi

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Gerald Ford

Henry Kissinger

Tun Abdul Razak

Benazir Bhutto

Pervez Musharraf

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

G.M. Syed

Khan Abdul Wali Khan

Maulana Bhashani

Mufti Mahmud

Asghar Khan

Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi

Notable Publications & Literary Works Mahmood Sham has authored dozens of books across diverse genres, including political commentaries, travelogues, novels, autobiographies, and poetry collections. Some of his prominent published works include:

Rehman Kay Mehman: A Hajj travelogue documenting his spiritual pilgrimage.

Bharat Mein Blacklist: A reflective account of his travel and journalistic experiences in India.

One to One (Interviews from 1977 to 2002): A compilation of historic interviews conducted over a 25-year period.

America Kya Soch Raha Hai: A political analysis focusing on U.S. foreign policy and strategic thinking.

Visiting America Mind: A study examining American perspectives and political dynamics.

Shaam Baghair: His personal autobiography detailing his life, literary journey, and media career.

Anjaam Baghair: A critically acclaimed Urdu novel.

Shab Baghair: A literary novel addressing contemporary themes.

Balochistan Se Beywafai: A deeply researched political analysis on the state of affairs in Balochistan.

Upset 2008: An analysis of the pivotal 2008 general elections and political shifts in Pakistan.

Various collections of Urdu poetry.

Disclaimer The biography provided above is compiled for biographical and educational purposes for Who is Who in Pakistan (whoiswhoinpakistan.blogspot.com). Information has been sourced from publicly documented records and official literary contributions.

Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami: Veteran Journalist, Editor and Columnist of Pakistan

Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami is one of Pakistan’s prominent senior journalists, editors, columnists and current-affairs commentators, with a journalism career spanning more than five decades. He is widely recognized for his contribution to Urdu journalism and for his role in shaping public discourse through newspapers, columns and television analysis.

Mr. Shami is the Chief Editor of Daily Pakistan, a widely circulated national Urdu-language newspaper. He assumed the editorship of Daily Pakistan in 1999. Over the decades, he has worked in various capacities and established himself as an influential voice in Pakistani journalism.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Shami founded the Urdu weekly Zindagi and the Urdu monthly Qaumi Digest, contributing to the development of Urdu print journalism and current-affairs writing.

Journalism and Column Writing

Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami is also a well-known columnist. His popular column “Jalsa-e-Aam” is published simultaneously in Daily Pakistan and Dunya. He has also contributed articles and columns to prominent Pakistani newspapers, including Nawa-e-Waqt and Jang.

His writing is known for its eloquence, clarity and accessible presentation of complex political, social and national issues. His views and perspectives have made him a recognized figure in Pakistan’s print and broadcast media. Mr. Shami is generally regarded as having a right-of-center disposition in his political and social commentary, a perspective that has also been reflected in his editorial work and media platforms.

Television Career

Alongside his newspaper and column-writing career, Mr. Shami has maintained a strong presence in television journalism. He has been associated with Dunya TV for more than a decade and regularly appears on the current-affairs program “Nuqta-e-Nazar,” where he discusses political, national and contemporary issues.

Through his television appearances, he has continued to engage audiences in discussions concerning Pakistan’s political environment, governance, society and national affairs.

Leadership in Newspaper Organizations

Mr. Shami has played an active role in professional organizations representing Pakistan’s newspaper editors and publishers. He has served as President of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and has also been elected Secretary General of CPNE on multiple occasions. He served as CPNE President in 2002.

He has also served as President of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), the representative organization of newspaper publishers in Pakistan.

At the regional level, Mr. Shami was elected President of the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) and also headed its Pakistan Chapter. His involvement with these organizations reflects his longstanding engagement with issues concerning journalism, press freedom, newspaper publishing and the professional interests of the media industry.

National Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his services, Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in 1993.

Three decades later, he received one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, in 2023, in recognition of his longstanding contributions to journalism and public life.

Legacy

With more than five decades of experience in journalism, Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami represents a significant chapter in the history of Pakistan’s Urdu press. His work as an editor, columnist, newspaper publisher, television commentator and leader of professional media organizations has given him a prominent place in Pakistan’s journalistic landscape.

His career reflects the changing face of Pakistani journalism, from traditional print media to the expanding influence of television and digital news platforms, while maintaining a continuing emphasis on political commentary, current affairs and public discourse.

Quick Facts

Name: Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami

Profession: Journalist, Editor, Columnist and Television Commentator

Current Position: Chief Editor, Daily Pakistan

Journalism Career: More than five decades

Daily Pakistan Editorship: Since 1999

Notable Column: “Jalsa-e-Aam”

Television Program: “Nuqta-e-Nazar” on Dunya TV

Tamgha-e-Imtiaz: 1993

Hilal-e-Imtiaz: 2023

Former President: Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE)

Former President: All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS)

Former President: South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) and SAFMA Pakistan Chapter

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This profile has been prepared for informational and biographical purposes for Who Is Who in Pakistan. The information has been compiled from the content and biographical details provided for this profile and is intended to present an overview of Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami’s professional career, achievements and public activities. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing the profile, Who Is Who in Pakistan does not independently guarantee the accuracy, completeness or current status of every detail. The profile should not be interpreted as an official biography or as an endorsement of any political, professional or personal views attributed to the individual.