News anchors are the individuals who present live news to the audience through television or radio broadcasts, acting as the face of the program. They read the news, often using a teleprompter and may also facilitate discussions or interviews. Pakistan has many talented news anchors who keep people informed about politics, social issues, and the economy. These anchors are known for their strong reporting, deep analysis, and engaging style. They bring breaking news, conduct important interviews, and lead discussions on major topics. Their hard work and dedication have made them popular among viewers. In this thorough article, our Tashheer research team has compiled a list of the top 10 news anchors in Pakistan who have made a big impact in the media industry.
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10 Most Respected News Anchors in Pakistan
Here is a list of some of the top newscasters in Pakistan, recognized for their contributions to journalism and media:
Hamid Mir
Hamid Mir, born on July 23, 1966, in Lahore, Pakistan, is a famous journalist, columnist, and author. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from the University of Punjab and has been active in journalism since 1987. Currently, he hosts the political talk show Capital Talk on Geo News and contributes columns to Urdu and English newspapers. Over his career, he has interviewed global leaders like Ban Ki-moon, Hillary Clinton, Tony Blair, Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Hamid Karzai and even Osama bin Laden. His work has often put him at risk, surviving two assassination attempts in 2012 and 2014.
Despite threats, he remains a strong advocate for press freedom and human rights in Pakistan. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2013 and the Most Resilient Journalist Award in 2016.
| Born | 23 July 1966 (age 58) |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Education | Masters |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Employer | Geo News (2002–present) |
Kamran Khan
Kamran Khan is a famous Pakistani journalist and television anchor known for his investigative reporting and analysis of national and international affairs. Born in 1956 in Pakistan, he pursued his education at the University of Karachi. His journalism career spans several decades, during which he contributed to prominent publications such as The Washington Post, International Herald Tribune and The Sunday Times, focusing on investigative journalism and intelligence matters. He gained widespread recognition as the host of “Aaj Kamran Khan Ke Sath” on Geo News, where he provided in-depth political and social analysis.
In 2014, he briefly joined BOL Network as President and Editor-in-Chief but resigned amid controversies. In 2015, he launched Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath on Dunya News which remains influential in Pakistani media. Despite facing challenges including threats due to his reporting on government corruption and terrorism, Kamran Khan continues to be a significant figure in Pakistani journalism.
| Born | 3 April 1967 (age 57) |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Education | Journalism |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Employer | Dunya News (2023–present) Formerly with Geo News, BOL News |
Kashif Abbasi
Kashif Abbasi is one of the most famous Pakistani journalists and television talk show hosts, best known for anchoring the political program Off the Record on ARY News. Born on December 10, 1974, in Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan, he is currently 50 years old and resides in Lahore. He holds a degree from the Barani Institute of Information Technology at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University (UAAR) in Rawalpindi. Kashif Abbasi is known for his fearless journalism, having interviewed numerous politicians and government officials. In November 2011, he married fellow journalist Meher Bukhari.
He has a significant social media presence including on Twitter and Instagram (@kashifabbasiary) where he shares insights on political matters. His career has seen controversies including a 60-day ban by PEMRA in 2020 after a controversial episode featuring Faisal Vawda. Despite challenges, Abbasi remains a respected voice in Pakistani media, shaping political discourse through his investigative reporting.
| Born | 10 December 1974 (age 50) |
| Birthplace | Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Education | Masters in International Relations |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Employer | ARY News (2006–present) |
Aftab Iqbal
Aftab Iqbal, born on September 19, 1958, in Okara, Punjab, Pakistan, is a prominent journalist, television host and media entrepreneur. He is the son of the famous Urdu poet Zafar Iqbal. Aftab completed his master’s degree from Government College University, Lahore, in 1985 and pursued further studies in History and Mass Communication at San Jose State University, California, in 1986. Throughout his career, he has hosted several influential television programs, including “Hasb-e-Haal,” “Khabarnaak,” “Khabardaar” “Khabarzar” and “Khabarhar” known for their satirical take on political and social issues.
In 2018, he founded the Aap Media Group, launching the Aap News channel. He also introduced digital shows Open Mic Cafe, Amaniyat, Dialogue With History and Chacha Boota on his own YouTube channel Aftab Iqbal.
| Born | 19 September 1958 (age 66) |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Education | Masters |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Employer | Geo News (2002–present) |
Moeed Pirzada
Moeed Hasan Pirzada, born on July 27, 1966, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, is a prominent journalist, political commentator and television host. He earned his MBBS from Allama Iqbal Medical College and later studied International Relations at Columbia University and the London School of Economics as a Britannia Chevening Scholar. Pirzada has held key positions in Pakistani media, serving as Director of World Affairs and lead anchor for PTV News and hosting programs like Sochta Pakistan, Tonight with Moeed Pirzada and Hard Talk on Dunya News and 92 News. He has contributed columns to leading newspapers including Dawn.
The News and Daily Times, and has lectured at institutions such as Harvard, Georgetown and the National Defense University. He is widely known for his focus on policy analysis and governance, he is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the digital platform Global Village Space.
| Born | 27 July 1966 (age 58) |
| Birthplace | Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Education | MBBS, Master’s in International Relations |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Employer | 92 News (Formerly with Geo News, Dunya News, PTV News) |
Shahid Masood
Dr. Shahid Masood is also a famous Pakistani journalist, political analyst and medical doctor known for his sharp commentary on national and international affairs. Born on March 6, 1967, in Karachi, he spent part of his childhood in Saudi Arabia before earning his MBBS from Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Transitioning to journalism in 2001, he gained prominence as the Senior Executive Director of ARY Digital Network, hosting the popular show “Views on News.”
He later joined Geo TV as Group Executive Director and hosted “Meray Mutabiq.” In 2008, he briefly served as Managing Director and Chairman of PTV and as a special assistant to the Prime Minister. Masood also worked with CNN, covering major global conflicts. Currently, he hosts “Live with Dr. Shahid Masood” on GNN News, where he continues to provide in-depth political analysis.
| Born | 23 July 1966 (age 58) |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Education | Masters |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Employer | Geo News (2002–present) |
Javed Chaudhry
Javed Chaudhry is also a famous Pakistani journalist, columnist and television host, best known for his influential Urdu columns and the current affairs program Kal Tak on Express News. Born on January 1, 1968, in Lalamusa, Gujrat District, Pakistan, he currently resides in Shehzad Town, Islamabad. He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Islamia University of Bahawalpur, where he was awarded a gold medal for academic excellence. His journalism career began in 1991 with publications like Daily Ummat and Daily Khabrain and he joined Daily Jang in 1997, gaining fame with his column series Zero Point.
Since 2008, he has hosted Kal Tak on Express News and has authored multiple books including the Zero Point series and Gaye Dino Ke Suraj. He has received numerous accolades including the Best Urdu Columnist award from the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (1997 & 1998), the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2023 for his contributions to journalism and an honorary PhD from Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
| Name | Javed Chaudhry |
| Born | 1 Jan 1968 (age 58) |
| Birthplace | Lala Musa, Gujrat District, West Pakistan |
| Education | Masters in Mass Communication |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Employer | Express News (TV channel)Daily Express newspaperDaily Jang newspaperKhabrain newspaper |
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Waseem Badami
Waseem Badami is a famous Pakistani journalist, television host and news anchor, best known for hosting the political talk show 11th Hour on ARY News. Born on February 7, 1985, in Karachi, Pakistan, he holds a bachelor’s degree and has been active in journalism since 2006. He started his career with ARY News as a news presenter and later gained prominence as a talk show host. In October 2014, he joined BOL Network as Executive Vice President and Senior Anchorperson but resigned in April 2015 to return to ARY News.
Besides political shows, he co-hosts the Ramadan transmission “Shan-e-Ramazan” and the cricket show “Har Lamha Purjosh” particularly during the Pakistan Super League. In 2017,Waseem Badami collaborated with Hemani Herbals to launch WB, an organic products and skincare brand. He further expanded his media presence in 2022-present by launching a “Podcast with Waseem Badami” on YouTube.
| Born | 7 February 1985 (age 40) |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Education | MBA |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Employer | ARY News (2006–present) |
Maria Memon
Maria Memon is a Pakistani journalist and newscaster, currently working as an anchor for ARY News. Born on September 28, 1986, in Karachi, she holds a degree in software engineering from Hamdard University but transitioned into journalism when she joined Geo TV as a program coordinator. When the project was shelved, she was shifted to the newsroom, beginning her journey as an anchor and reporter. Over the years, she gained recognition for her strong journalistic presence, hosting programs like Meray Mutabiq alongside prominent analysts.
After a seven-year tenure at Geo News, she moved to ARY News in 2015, where she continues to be a key figure. Apart from journalism, Maria made her Lollywood debut as a voice-over artist in the animated film Tick Tock, working alongside actors Ahsan Khan and Ghulam Mohiuddin. Passionate about raising awareness on social issues, she has used her platform to highlight important topics in society.
| Born | September 28, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Years Active | 2008 – present |
| Employer | ARY News (2015 – present) |
Najia Ashar
Najia Ashar is a veteran Pakistani broadcast journalist and media development professional with over two decades of experience. She is the founder and president of the Global Neighborhood for Media Innovation (GNMI), a Karachi-based nonprofit focused on media literacy, capacity building and advocacy. In 2021, she launched Pakistan’s first virtual Media Incubation Center and Accelerator Platform (MICAP) which has facilitated the creation of 20 news startups, followed by the launch of the digital news platform Taar.tv. Her journalism career began in 2002 at Pakistan Television (PTV) as a writer and researcher, later joining Geo News as a senior anchor and producer, where she spent 12 years covering major events like the 2005 earthquake, Benazir Bhutto’s assassination and the attack on Malala Yousafzai.
She also hosted the news show News Hour with Najia. In 2014, she was awarded the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University, where she worked on developing safety guidelines for journalists in conflict zones. Academically, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in International Relations from the University of Karachi. Born in Karachi’s Qasba Colony, she is married to Ashar Ali, a news executive and they have two children.
| Born | 14 July 1978 (age 46) |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Education | Master of Social Science in International Relations |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Organization | Global Neighborhood for Media Innovation |
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Final Words
Pakistani media industry is home to some of the most talented and influential news anchors who have played an important role in shaping public discourse. These professionals are not only skilled reporters but also strong analysts, investigative journalists and thought leaders in their field. Through their dedication and commitment, they have earned the trust of millions, bringing critical issues to the forefront and holding power to account. Whether covering political developments, social concerns or economic affairs, these Pakistani anchors continue to impact journalism with their fearless reporting and insightful commentary. Their contributions have made them household names in Pakistan, solidifying their status as some of the most respected figures in the media industry.
About the Author: Sana Noureen
