Name: Najam Sethi
Date of Birth: 20 May 1948 (age 74)
Birth Place: Kasur, Punjab,
Nationality: Pakistani
Religion: Islam
Profession: Journalist, Businessman
Spouse: Jugnu Mohsin (m. 1983)
Children: Mira Sethi (daughter), Ali Sethi (son)
Known for: Editor-in-Chief The Friday Times
Awards: CPJ International Press Freedom Award (1999) Golden Pen of Freedom Award (2009)
Hilal-i-Imtiaz Award in 2011
Najam Sethi Biography:
- Early Life and Career Beginnings: Najam Aziz Sethi, born on May 20, 1948, is a prominent Pakistani journalist and businessman. His journey into journalism began out of frustration, as he conceived the idea for an independent Pakistani newspaper during a brief imprisonment in 1984 on trumped-up copyright charges. He noticed the absence of newspapers protesting his arrest, which fueled his determination to establish a platform for unbiased reporting.
- Founding The Friday Times: Alongside his partner Jugnu Mohsin, Sethi applied for a publishing license under Mohsin’s name, as Sethi was deemed “too notorious an offender” to use the application himself. They envisioned a publication focused on social chit-chat, but with a deeper aim of fostering independent journalism. The first issue of their newspaper, The Friday Times, was published in May 1989, after a delay to avoid repercussions during General Zia ul Haq’s dictatorship.
- Contributions to Journalism and Literature: In addition to The Friday Times, Sethi is also the founder of Vanguard Books, a publishing house that has played a significant role in promoting literature and intellectual discourse in Pakistan.
- Championing Press Freedom: Throughout his career, Sethi has faced challenges and persecution due to his commitment to investigative journalism and exposing government corruption. His arrest in early 1999, followed by nearly a month of detention without charge, drew international attention and condemnation from organizations like Amnesty International, who labeled him a prisoner of conscience.
- Political and Administrative Roles: Apart from journalism, Sethi has held several administrative positions, including Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, caretaker Federal Minister of Pakistan, and Chief Minister of Punjab, Pakistan. He also served as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab during the 2013 elections.
- Media Ventures: In 2002, Sethi founded the Daily Times of Pakistan and served as its editor until October 2009. He also represented Pakistan as the correspondent for The Economist from 1990 to 2008. Currently, he serves as the President of AAP Media Network / Indus News and has been involved in hosting prime-time affairs shows like Aapas ki Baat on Geo News.
- After the ousting of Imran Khan’s government through a vote of no confidence in April 2022, Najam Sethi was appointed Chairman of the PCB Management Committee for a third term in December 2022, by the new Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. Along with 13 board members, they were tasked with restoring the PCB’s 2014 constitution, while scrapping the 2019 constitution set under Ehsan Mani, within four months. However, in April 2023, the Management Committee received a further two-month extension. On 20 June 2023, Sethi announced via Twitter his decision not to continue pursuing the Chairmanship during his third term at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Citing concerns over potential instability and uncertainty, Sethi opted not to be considered for the position. He was succeeded by Zaka Ashraf as the 37th Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board on 5 July 2023.
Najam Aziz Sethi’s contributions to journalism, literature, and press freedom have left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s media landscape, earning him both accolades and challenges in his relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.
( Updated: 24 Dec 2023)