Pakistan’s Journalism Laments the Loss of Shahida Qazi, a Pioneering Correspondent and Academic

Pakistan’s journalistic community is grieving the loss of Shahida Qazi, a distinguished correspondent and academic, who passed away at the age of 79 on Saturday, October 28, 2023. She will be remembered as a trailblazer in her field, having served as the chairperson of Karachi University’s Mass Communication Department and being recognized as the country’s first female correspondent. Shahida Qazi earned her esteemed reputation through unwavering dedication and exceptional writing skills.

Shahida Qazi commenced her illustrious career in 1966 as a reporter at the prestigious Dawn. After a successful two-year tenure, she joined Pakistan Television (PTV), where she ascended to the position of the first woman news editor, dedicating two decades of service to the state organization.

Even after retiring as a professor, she remained committed to teaching at various universities, including Karachi’s Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU), until her departure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The veteran journalist had been battling illness and had been receiving treatment at Karachi’s Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital.

Shahida Qazi, born in 1944 into a progressive family, completed her studies in mass communication at Karachi University, where she was the first and sole female student in the newly established Department of Journalism. Her indomitable spirit and contributions to the world of journalism leave an indelible mark on Pakistan’s media landscape.