Najaam Sethi, Editor-in-Chief of Friday Times and Daily Times in Pakistan, has been awarded the 2009 Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual press freedom prize of the World Association of Newspapers.
Mr Sethi, whose newspapers advocate liberal and secular ideas in a country often torn by religious extremism, was honoured for his outstanding defence and promotion of press freedom under difficult circumstances and constant personal danger.
Due to the editorial policies of the newspapers, which condemn autocracy and religious fundamentalism, Mr Sethi has been at odds with both Pakistani authorities and religious groups for many years. He has been threatened with death by the Taliban and other radical Muslim groups, and has been jailed and beaten for offending the government.
“All journalists are aware of the dangers of inciting extremists who violently oppose reporting that is contrary to their view of the world,” said the Board of the Paris-based WAN, meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, in announcinging the award.
“Mr Sethi has chosen, in a region fraught with such dangers, to brave them. His commitment to providing truthful and independent coverage in this region, despite great personal danger and sacrifice, is in the best traditions of journalism. We think the award will inspire others to resist such pressure.”
The award will be presented at the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum, the global summit meetings of the world’s press, to be held in Hyderabad, India, from 22 to 25 March.
Tags: golden pen of freedom, najaam sethi, world association of newspapers
