What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was as a reporter for The Chenab Times, where I covered local news and community stories in the Chenab Valley. It was where I learned the value of accuracy, persistence, and giving voice to the unheard.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is transforming news by making information faster and more accessible, but it also brings challenges like misinformation and shortened attention spans. It’s reshaping how journalists report, verify, and engage with audiences, demanding both speed and responsibility.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist is Anzer Ayoob—his curiosity, dedication to storytelling, and knack for uncovering compelling narratives make him an inspiring character for anyone in journalism.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means seeking the truth, giving voice to the unheard, and telling stories that matter with accuracy, integrity, and empathy. It’s about connecting communities, holding power accountable, and documenting the world as it is.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the funniest news-related hashtags I’ve seen is —someone cleverly used it to report a local bakery opening! It’s a fun reminder that news can be both informative and playful.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I rely on a mix of tools for reporting, writing, and storytelling: Filmora Creative Suite for design and editing, WordPress for publishing, Google Workspace for research and collaboration, and social media platforms like X and LinkedIn to track trends and engage with audiences.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) is my favorite social network—it’s where I follow real-time news, engage with other journalists, and discover diverse perspectives from around the world.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love for fellow journalists, storytellers, and readers passionate about the Chenab Valley and South Asia to follow me—people who value authentic reporting and diverse perspectives.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to tell stories that matter, give voice to the unheard, and shed light on realities that often go unnoticed. It’s a way to connect communities, hold power accountable, and make a meaningful impact through storytelling.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m most proud of a series I worked on covering the lives and challenges of communities in the Chenab Valley. Telling their stories with depth, empathy, and accuracy helped shed light on issues often overlooked and sparked meaningful conversations locally.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay curious, be persistent, and never compromise on accuracy. Listen more than you speak, tell stories that matter, and embrace both traditional reporting and digital tools. Journalism is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make an impact.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is during regular working hours, preferably via email or a direct message on professional platforms. I check messages consistently and appreciate concise, well-structured pitches.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is Noon Chai (Kashmiri Chai)—it’s a constant companion during long reporting days and quiet evenings of reflection.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I'm not on the computer, you'll likely find me hiking the Chenab Valley, talking to people, photographing stories, or enjoying the outdoors with a camera in hand, sometimes spending time with my family.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from my own work, I enjoy reading The Guardian for its in-depth reporting and diverse perspectives. I also follow regional outlets to stay connected with stories from Jammu & Kashmir and South Asia.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
A common misperception about my beat is that reporting from the Chenab Valley is only about conflict or politics. In reality, it’s also about culture, everyday life, and the stories of resilience and innovation that often go unnoticed.
