18 March 2015
Kabul- Waheed Paiman a reporter from 8Subh(8am) newspaper for his investigative report on mental patient problems in western Herat province wins 2015 “Afghanistan Journalist of the year” award in a tough competition against tens of other national journalists.
Afghanistan Journalists Centre (AFJC) launched the “Afghanistan Journalists of the Year” award last year to appreciate the professionalism of Afghan journalists and to encourage them to adhere to internationally applied journalism standards in their coverage of events inside Afghanistan.
During a ceremony held in Kabul, attended by media workers, government officials and media support organizations, as well as dozens of journalists; AFJC honored two Afghan journalists with “Journalist of the Year” and “Lifetime Achievement” Awards, as well as appreciation letters to five journalists for their outstanding performance.
Mr. Paiman was deemed by the judges’ committee to have been outstanding in the year under review. He picked up the prize for his investigative report on mental patient problems in western Herat province at the awards ceremony celebrating National Journalist’s Day on Wednesday March 18.
The Lifetime Achievement in Journalism was presented to Mr. Mujahid Kakar for his distinguished contributions in journalism and outstanding performance and dedication in his profession. Safi Airways and Sufi land mark hotel suites supported the program. by providing free tickets to the winners.
Certificates of appreciations were also presented to Mohammad Hassan Khetab, reporter of Pajhwok Afghan News; Wali Aryan, reporter of One TV; Kawon Khamosh, BBC reporter; Sharif Amiri, reporter of Tolo TV; and Atifa Ghafoori, reporter of Mitra TV for their outstanding performance.
Marking the national journalist’s day in a war-ravaged country is a significant move to recognize the efforts and dedication of reporters who put their life in risk in reporting.
The journalists and media organization across Afghanistan were invited to nominate one story per person in the competition. The competition attracted dozens of entries from all around the country. The jury was impressed with the depth of experience contained in the state-winning entries.
By the initiative of AFJC, Hoot 27th (March 18) was named as the National Journalist’s Day and was celebrated in Kabul and other cities of Afghanistan to acknowledge the significant role of journalists in strengthening of the free press and flow of fair, impartial and balanced information to the people that stands as an important pillar in a democratic society.
The calls for entry will be made in February every year at the Afghanistan Journalist Centre website.