What was your first job as a journalist?
Pakistan Press International wire agency based in Karachi, Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 worked for them as sub-editor on news desk and reporter
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes I started off my journalistic career with a wire service on a typewriter. I took courses and use all 10 fingers to type.
How is social media changing news?
It is allowing the reader to have a voice and say in how the media covers or should cover a story.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Agatha Christie
What does it mean to be a journalist?
In Pakistan making a meaningful contribution to society and more importantly you are someone in life.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
hmmm...can't recall right now
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In person or if not possible than email/phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MacBook laptop, iPad Pro, phone and my glasses
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
I have enjoyed it and felt pride whenever a young journalist print or electronic has said he has derived inspiration from me.
Why did you become a journalist?
I was always fascinated by story telling and later with sports coverage. Both remain my passion.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No our school didn't have a newspaper
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Several stories for Reuters on the 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan and enhanced my reputation. Also got exclusive Pak cricket videos on GeoSuper.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't become a journalist, a reporter if you are not passionate about what you do. Turning your passion into your career is a dream come true
When's the best time to pitch you?
available 24 hours time zones don't matter
What's the best pitch you ever got?
After I got exclusive clips of a Pakistan Cricket team fixing inquiry meetings and aired them on Geo Super channel.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
can't recall
What's your favorite drink?
Tea
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
hmmm. probably on cricket grounds or hockey pitches watching matches or if not than relaxing with Netflix on a big screen tv.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Dawn newspaper
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
If I talk about sports reporting it is still considered a non-serious beat compared to beats like political, foreign affairs or business.
