Hamna Iqbal Baig is a widely published freelance journalist and fact-checker who says she knew from a young age that journalism was her calling. Her writing has appeared in Dawn, Digital Rights Monitor, Geo News and elsewhere.

“My determination to stay in the field, despite its challenges, was solidified during an internship at a leading news channel,” she said. The experience helped her “realize that there is a need for more female journalists to enter the field and for me to tell women's stories.”

Her work currently focuses on women, minorities and marginalized groups. Baig is based in Karachi.

This interview has been edited slightly.
 

How have you been involved with ICFJ over the years?

I have been involved with the ICFJ through several programs over the years. I am grateful to have been a recipient of a Stemming the Tide of Intolerance reporting grant. 

This grant enabled me to investigate the exploitation of sanitation workers in Karachi. These workers, predominantly from marginalized and minority communities (Hindu and Christian), are employed by the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board's contractors. 

They face severe exploitation, being paid far below the legal minimum wage of 32,000 [Pakistani rupees] for unskilled workers, and are exposed to numerous health hazards [including working in unbearable heat, and dealing with sharp metals, broken glass and possible encounters with stray dogs]. I was inspired to investigate this issue after observing these workers during my daily commute and visiting a small compound where minority communities live to report on their representation and challenges in elections.

In 2023, I attended a training on data journalism and audience engagement through the News Corp Media Fellowship Program. This training enhanced my skills in these important areas.

What was the biggest outcome from participating in the program? 

Following the publication of my story, I received valuable feedback from various activists advocating for the rights of minorities and laborers in Pakistan. One activist shared my story in a WhatsApp community group, highlighting its detailed nature and how it sheds light on the concerns they have been raising. Several readers who contacted me expressed their surprise at the extent of exploitation these workers face, indicating that my coverage brought attention to an issue that many were previously unaware of.

Why is it so important right now to provide the kind of support to journalists that ICFJ does, especially when it comes to mis- and disinformation in South Asia

Newsrooms in South Asia often have limited resources and, in the fast-paced cycle of breaking news, may not always prioritize accuracy. This creates an environment where misinformation and disinformation can easily spread. For instance, during Pakistan's elections, Soch Fact Check debunked over 60 misleading or false claims, including AI-generated videos, false political party statements about election boycotts, and misleading election results. 

Such misinformation can significantly sway public opinion, exacerbating the lack of trust in traditional media sources. As a result, people often turn to various social media channels for news, which may not always be reliable.

Programs like Disarming Disinformation, Training of Trainers, Empowering the Truth Global Summit, and resources like the Verification Toolkit provided by ICFJ are extremely important. They help newsrooms, journalists, and fact-checkers improve their efficiency in ensuring information accuracy. These programs also enable journalists to pass on their knowledge to others, promoting a culture of responsible and accurate reporting. This support is vital for maintaining the integrity of journalism and combating the issue of misinformation and disinformation in the region.

What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?

I’m currently working on a story about the limited healthcare access for islander communities in Karachi, examining its impact on women and how climate change is worsening the situation. I’m particularly excited about using data journalism tools to tell this story, as they offer powerful ways to illustrate and analyze the challenges faced by these communities.

What kind of difficulties as a journalist have you faced in Pakistan? If applicable, how has ICFJ helped alleviate or support journalists with these difficulties?

As a journalist in Pakistan, one of the primary difficulties I have faced is ensuring safety while reporting, particularly on sensitive issues. This is a significant concern due to the volatile nature of certain topics and the potential risks involved in investigative journalism. Through an ICFJ program, I received training on how to safely navigate these challenges. The training covered essential tools and precautions for reporting on sensitive stories, which has been crucial in helping me manage these risks effectively.

Another major challenge is the lack of funding for long-form and investigative pieces. Many journalists, including myself, are only able to pursue important and challenging stories with the support of grants. ICFJ’s funding opportunities and grants play a crucial role in enabling journalists to undertake in-depth investigations and cover issues that might otherwise go unreported.

Why did you choose to become a journalist?

I have always had a natural ability to connect with people and listen to their stories. From a young age, I knew this was my calling, and even my school friends predicted I would pursue journalism. My determination to stay in the field, despite its challenges, was solidified during an internship at a leading news channel. Surrounded by male colleagues, I witnessed their dismissive and blaming reactions to the murder of social media star Qandeel Baloch, a case of honor killing. This experience made me realize that there is a need for more female journalists to enter the field and for me to tell women's stories. This is why currently my work focuses on women, minorities and marginalized groups.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring journalist?

Always be observant and curious. Connect with communities and engage in conversations with people. Many of my journalistic story ideas have come from simply observing individuals and having the curiosity to understand what’s behind a distressed or happy face. 

Also, don’t be afraid to tackle challenging topics. It’s incredibly rewarding to research a subject and see your knowledge grow from limited understanding to a comprehensive grasp. This journey of discovery and learning is one of the most fulfilling aspects of journalism.