— Lahore-based cultural correspondent honoured for more than three decades of contribution to cultural journalism
By Irum Saleem
Veteran journalist and Dawn’s senior-most cultural correspondent in Lahore, Shoaib Ahmed, has been awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan in recognition of his services to cultural journalism.
The award was announced on Independence Day as part of the government’s national honours.
Mr Ahmed, a pioneer of cultural journalism in Pakistan, has spent more than 34 years in the profession, using his reporting to highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and the work of leading arts and cultural institutions.
The Lahore journalist community has congratulated Mr Ahmed on receiving the national honour and acknowledged his contribution to promoting arts and culture through journalism.
Mr Ahmed began his journalism career in 1990 as a sub-editor with Daily Jang in Lahore. In 1995, he moved to English-language journalism, joining The Nation as a cultural reporter.
He subsequently worked with several prominent newspapers, including The Nation, The Sun International and The Daily Times, before joining Dawn, where he has served as a cultural correspondent in Lahore.
Over the course of his career, Mr Ahmed has extensively covered performing and visual arts, archaeology, museums, theatre, fashion and other aspects of Pakistan’s cultural landscape.
His reporting has regularly focused on the activities of major cultural institutions, including the Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra), Punjab Council of the Arts, Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture, National College of Arts and Pakistan National Council of Arts.
Among his notable pieces are Roohi Bano – In and Out of Darkness, Spotlight, Theater Vulgaris and Great Men and Women Once Stood Here.
His contribution to cultural journalism was also recognised by the Punjab government, which conferred on him the Pride of Punjab Award in 2018.
Mr Ahmed has also reported on cultural events abroad and accompanied high-profile government delegations to cover international cultural activities.
Through his wide-ranging and independent reporting, he has documented important developments in Pakistan’s arts and cultural scene and brought greater attention to the country’s cultural heritage at home and abroad.
The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz adds a national honour to a career spanning more than three decades in cultural journalism.
