Journalism as a Tool of Empowerment
Khurram Shahzad shares his views on being a balanced political critic, journalism’s role in society, and one’s loyalties while reporting abroad. Khurram Shahzad is a Pakistani American journalist based in Washington DC. Since 2012, he has been reporting in leading Pakistani print and electronic media. As a North America correspondent of 92 News, he has been covering press briefings of the State Department, White House, and Pentagon. During Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to White House, Khurram’s conversation with President Trump went viral. Khurram is passionate about investigative journalism, when not writing, he can be found hiking the Great Falls Park trails, taking the Metro, and haunting local bookstores.
Please give us a description of your background and work.
I wrote my first story for a famous magazine in Pakistan called “Akhbar-e-Jahan”, when I was in 8th grade. At that time, my elder brother was publishing his own magazine and all operations of collecting content, editing, printing, and distribution were happening in front of me at my house. At home, we always had the discussion of news trends, fake news, government influence, standing with cause, etc. Eight years ago, when I was all settled in America, I decided to pursue my passion which was always journalism. I started writing again and later joined a Pakistani TV channel as their Washington correspondent. My fellow Pakistani American journalists were very helpful, and they guided me through the balancing process i.e. when it comes to truthful reporting while keeping the editorial policies of Pakistan and alignment with Washington’s ground realities.
What was the latest story you reported on?
Today I did a story about a Pakistani American Engineer who has expertise in telecommunications but decided to help the fellow American community by giving them free N95 masks. He bought the machine, set it up himself, his team of engineers volunteered with him to get it working and now after six months, the machine can produce 12,000 masks a day. He is projecting more than a million masks to be distributed in three months.
How that story made you feel?
As a Pakistani American, this story really inspired me to serve humanity without any discrimination of color, race, ethnicity, or religious background. If the guy in the story hadn’t stood with the community in their difficult time, he would have just been another guy, but his kind action earned him tremendous respect in the American community.
What is the definition of a special story for you as a journalist?
As an investigative journalist, I believe, if my writing or my aired report could bring a positive change in society, it is a special story. If I am uncovering political corruption to shake the audience so that we all could stop the corruption, it is not only a special story, it is a service for the country and the common people.
Do you believe in the importance of the work of foreign journalists? If so, why?
It is my firm belief that foreign journalists are true ambassadors of their country in America. The journalists usually have access to places where others don’t which makes them an ideal candidate to collect the information, process it, and spread awareness in their country of origin. Similarly, usually American officials and common people don’t have much knowledge of countries around the world. The foreign journalists are very instrumental to give them awareness, truthful realities, and unbiased facts of their country of origin
What do people in the U.S. not know about the work foreign journalists do in this country?
If a foreign journalist is an American citizen, he is as much loyal to America as any other citizen. For example, when we report on the foreign policy of America and, as a critic, we try to shed light on the angles which were not explored before, that doesn’t mean we don’t like America. Similarly, when we report about our origin country and criticize the policies of the government, that doesn’t mean we have sold our loyalties to America, we are just trying to share our truthful opinion which is always based on facts and figures.
Is journalism an impactful profession? Do you feel you make an impact on society? In what ways?
I believe, after politics, journalism is the only profession that has deep roots in society. Good journalism practices could shape and empower society which results in the empowerment of common people. Similarly, poor or broken journalism practices not only weaken the people's voices but also damages the roots of the country's institutions such as justice, healthcare, etc. Therefore, I believe, the purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their government.
What message do you want the AFC-USA to convey to the outside world on behalf of foreign journalists?
I believe AFC-USA is an important platform for all journalists in North America. This platform provides the best tools and techniques to enhance our knowledge and journalism practices. AFC-USA is also very helpful for social connectivity within the journalist community. I would highly recommend everyone to not only join this platform but also be a part of their weekly/monthly activities.
