Shabana Mahfooz is a broadcast journalist who has a passion for writing. More than an eloquent writer, she is a joy to meet.
We wanted to catch up with her and share a bit of her wonderful self with us.
Q: Shabana, please tell us something about yourself.
My name is Shabana Mahfooz. Born in Karachi and living in Lahore, I’m a mother of two sons who also happens to be an avid reader, tuned to music, history buff and nature lover.
By profession, I am a Broadcast Journalist and after extensive experience in newsrooms and production panels of bulletins as well as programmes, including those of Geo News, I now provide consultancies and trainings, which includes a session with Neo TV.
About two years back, I ventured into column and feature writing as a freelance contributor and got stuck for life! Writing today for mainstream publications, I still look for other interesting writing opportunities.
Currently, I am also teaching Global Perspectives to O’Levels students at a local school. For this subject as well, I have to tutor and guide students in their writing skills.
Q: Writing is your forte. Why did you choose writing particularly, as medium of communication with your audience?
The pleasure I get from writing can not be explained. I believe it is the best form of expression for me – my thoughts, my feelings, my opinions – on issues as well as my personal beliefs. However, this is personal.
Professionally, I believe the sky is the limit. Having reached the milestone of publications of the likes of Pakistan Today, The News, Daily Times and South Asia, I look forward to exploring an entity of my own on social media. Along with it, I’m always keen to teach and mentor younger and budding writers about writing skills from a journalistic point of view.
Q: What are your thoughts about Pakistani Lady Bloggers community?
Why I am writing all this is because of Pakistan Lady Bloggers (PLB). It has given me more than a community. It has given me a sense of belonging, of connection with my likes and multiple writing platforms to choose from. I feel immensely proud to be a part of it.
Together with PLB, I want to encourage others, especially women, to openly express their thoughts and feelings. When I go through the already growing participation, I witness amazing talent as well as basic shortcomings. I seek to create a balance between the two, so that Pakistani writers may be able to make waves, not just nationally but globally. After all, it’s a small world we live in today!
