Brief Introduction

My name is Syed Sardar Ahmed Pirzada and I am the first blind journalist of Pakistan.

I belong to Jauharabad, a small but well planned city in district Khushab. I received my school and college education from Jauharabad. Being partially sighted and then becoming visually impaired has never been a hindrance to my will for learning and moving ahead. Throughout my educational career, I have not only received education from inclusive institutions without any special facility but pursued my studies with full involvement in co-curricular activities. While at college, I not only carried out the responsibilities of class representative in the student union and editor of the college magazine but also held the offices of the secretary, ''Iqbal Philosophical Society'' and president ''Social Work Society''. In 1986 I obtained my Post Graduation degree in Journalism from the University of the Punjab, Lahore as a regular student in First division, securing distinction in the university.

After completing my post graduation I worked as a ''Reporter'' and ''Sub-Editor'' in many credible dailies and weeklies such as Daily Jang, Daily Jasarat, Daily Mashriq, Weekly Istaqlal, and Daily Nawa-i-Waqt. I have also been Editor of English monthly for the diplomatic community entitled. ‘The Diplomat'' which brought me in close interaction with the foreign community.

In 2001, I established a media Organization with a new idea, namely '' Research and Information Services Emporium (RISE 24)''. This organization employed the services of dedicated media experts and a highly professional technical staff who worked round the clock, scanning, sorting, classifying, analyzing and arranging information from a wide range of print media, thus providing its prestigious customers with a ''Press Clippings folder'' professionally prepared according to their specific needs and areas of interest and sent to them on daily basis by courier in shape of hard copy or by fax or e-mail.

In 1988 I joined a government Organization ''National Language Authority, Islamabad, Pakistan'' as a public relations officer, handling press and publicity matters for the organization. I worked as Editor ''Akhbar-e-urdu’’ the monthly research journal of the said organization from February 2003 to February 2010. During this period I compiled a reference book entitled ''Pakistan mien Urdu'',(Urdu in Pakistan) which is a comprehensive research study of the evolution, promotion and development of the Urdu Language in the four provinces of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. I now hold the post of Chief Editor Akhbar-e-Urdu in the said organization which has been renamed to NLPD Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage of Govt of Pakistan.

I am the first blind person in Pakistan who received his education in journalism before entering mainstream and regular journalism; staying in the press on a professional level. I adopted this title so that I can turn my weakness into my greatest strength. People did not accept me because I was blind, now they will accept me because I am. I am a regular columnist and analyst of national and international sociopolitical issues. Presently I am writing for ''Daily Nawa-i- Waqt under the logo of ''Saaf Saaf''. My articles contain solid historical facts and figures related to current affairs. I have also worked with the electronic media and hold experience as an anchor person for radio and television.

Communicating with people has always been my greatest passion and I satisfy this passion by being a member of the visiting faculty of many reputed institutions and universities and try to impart knowledge to others through effective communication and modern tools. I work in Urdu with the assistance of a reader and writer as I have no command over Braille. However having now attained computer skills I do my English study and writings through a screen reader program JAWS (Job Access with Speech).

Volunteer Work

Along with my professional activities I do volunteer work for PWDs (Persons with Disabilities). This includes advocating for their rights, creating awareness in the society and giving lectures on the same in Institutions, Universities and other Forums. I am also an honorary member of the advisory body of many well reputed NGOs. I have also floated many new theories for the rights and welfare of PWDs. My special focus is Direct Representation of the PWDs in the Parliament and Public Offices. I am campaigning for this on every level. I am also in contact with the leaders of all political parties of Pakistan to bring PWDS into the forefront of their respective parties. Doing volunteer work for PWDS is the passion of my life.

Awards and Achievements.

I have the honor of winning the All-Pakistan Newspaper Society “APNS Best Urdu Column Award” which is the most prestigious award of Journalism in Pakistan. It was conferred upon me by the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari on 16^th April 2012 in the Presidency, Islamabad. I was also awarded the “Cholistan Award” by the Cholistan Development Council, Bahawalpur for 'Services in Media’. I have been presented with the NPC "Gold Medal Award" by Dr. A. Q. Khan. In December 2013, National Press Club Islamabad, awarded me Merit Shield (Lifetime Achievement) and Lifetime Membership in its Annual General Body Meeting. Apart from these i have been given many other Awards and Nominations.

Syed Sardar Ahmad Pirzada

•The First Blind Journalist of Pakistan
•Columnist and Anchor Person
•Chief Editor, Monthly Akhbar-e-Urdu,

Cell: +92 333 5203905
Blog: www.saafsaaf.blogspot.com

Email: saafsaaf@live.com