By her work, Sidra Iqbal is a celebrated TV journalist, anchor, and passionate activist. But she has time and time again proven, that she is more than what her career encompasses. She is an inspiration to many, a staunch advocate of women’s empowerment, and one of the most graceful individuals who continue to achieve great things in life.
She is currently hosting and producing ‘Insight with Sidra Iqbal’s flagship current affairs show on national Television PTV. She is the first Pakistani to be presented the Great Women Award for Journalism 2014 by the Government of UAE and Indian Television Academy.
Out of a busy schedule, Sidra Iqbal worked out an hour to sit down and chat with Team LENS by ProPakistani. Here is how the conversation rolled out:
How do you manage the enormous workload that you carry all the time with you?
I’m a curious type by nature, doing one thing bore me. The way to successfully juggle my multitasking, by all means, is by being organized and selective. I select only those projects for which I’m truly passionate. All the things you see me doing are an extension of myself and when I am extending myself it does not feel like work.
Was your career charted by design or destiny?
It definitely was my destiny. I believe that every opportunity that comes your way is sort of taking you forward. Growing up I was outspoken and I truly use to enjoy all my extra-curricular activities and take part in them. I was a gregarious and fun-loving child.
As a journalist do you believe one has to get their hands dirty and talk to all sorts of people?
I don’t believe in that, it is a very negative connotation attached to journalism by the people. It is a dignified profession. Whenever you a doing some story or investigative spadework, you have to look for credible sources. I think it is a very demeaning way of putting down all your sources by saying you are doing your hands dirty. I truly respect the work I do and would never agree to be disrespectful with all the people I engage with.
Is the overall quality of credible journalists going up or down?
The overall way of how we process information is evolving. Initially, people use to get their information from newspapers, radio, and television but now we have moved toward social media. The internet sources are not credible information they are just opinions and I don’t take them seriously. And the people should also not quote them as publications or as avenues of journalism.
Are journalists too hard on celebrities?
I think journalism in terms of following any public figure is becoming increasingly in basis. We are crossing lines and inflicting ourselves on their personal life and it is very unkind. It’s not about being hard but being unethical. Yes, I do feel that journalists and media at large are taking liberty on celebrated public figures.
Memorable moments from your illustrious career?
There were many unforgettable moments. I have interviewed many famous personalities and I feel all those times were enriching experiences and I learned a lot about life and hope this continues.
What are the major areas now you want to work on and explore?
My work on television specifically is my extension but I want to contribute to purposeful content. I would like to bring intelligent programming to my people who are usually considered dumb but there is enough appetite among them for projects of this nature. I want to bring content for my viewers which can help them grow and learn.
Do you think social media platform is punching way above their weight?
No, I don’t think so it’s about self-worth, they are definitely the future. The way are processing information is changing it is bewildering but they are the future. But perhaps a more sensitizing training towards ethics is much needed.
Being a youth development advocate, is the youth influenced by social media opinion without really knowing anything?
The problem is that the youth is deriving their problems by Googling them rather than reading a book. And the quality of your answer depends on the quality of your question so therefore your growth is hampered and your answer will be limited to that.
You will keep doing what you do for 20 more years?
Hell no! I do not even do anything the same for a week. I am not the person I was a month ago. I’m constantly learning and looking for new avenues that will make me more passionate. I don’t believe in doing the same thing over and over again.
Anything you would like to share that we don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know about me is that, I am very passionate about cooking. I find it very therapeutic, I have over 35 different cuisines cookbooks. And I can definitely make ‘Gol Rotis’.
