Gharida Farooqi Biography
Gharida Farooqi is a well-known Pakistani television anchor and journalist, recognized for her work on various news channels, including Geo News, Samaa TV, and Express News. She has hosted the current affairs program “G for Gharida” since 2015, where she has conducted several high-profile interviews, including with politicians such as Maryam Nawaz and Rana Sanaullah. Gharida is also known for her bold reporting style, making her a prominent figure in Pakistani media.
Gharida Farooqi has gained considerable respect for her journalistic contributions, particularly in covering pressing political and social issues. However, she has also been involved in controversies, including legal issues related to the treatment of a domestic worker in 2017, which drew significant media attention. Despite these challenges, she continues to be an influential voice in Pakistani journalism.
Recently, Gharida has taken a strong stand against harassment and online abuse, particularly targeting women in the media. In 2024, she initiated legal action against YouTuber Dr. Umar Adil for making derogatory comments about her on a podcast, underscoring the growing challenges faced by female journalists in Pakistan.
Gharida Farooqi Age
Gharida Farooqi was born on April 1, 1978, which makes her 46 years old as of 2024​.
Gharida Farooqi Hometown
Gharida Farooqi hails from Multan, Pakistan.
Gharida Farooqi Educational Background
Gharida Farooqi has a notable academic background that complements her career in journalism. She pursued a master’s degree in International Relations from the Women’s Institute of Science and Humanities (WISH) in Islamabad.
Gharida Farooqi Career
Gharida Farooqi has built an extensive and notable career in Pakistani journalism, becoming a well-known anchor and television host. She began her journey in media during the early 2000s, working initially with PTV Home and ATV (Pakistan). By 2012, she had joined Geo News, one of the largest media outlets in Pakistan, where she solidified her reputation.
During her time at Geo News, Farooqi was recognized for her sharp interviews and ability to engage with political figures. She later transitioned to Samaa TV before becoming a senior anchorperson at Express News in 2017, where she currently works.
Her career gained widespread recognition with the launch of her own current affairs program, “G for Gharida,” in 2015. The show became known for its in-depth political interviews and coverage of pressing national issues. One of her most notable interviews was with Maryam Nawaz in 2016, where she discussed the health and recovery of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his heart surgery.
Despite her success, Farooqi’s career has not been without controversy. In July 2017, she was embroiled in a legal issue when a 15-year-old domestic worker was found in her home, allegedly held in illegal detention and subjected to abuse. The incident sparked significant public debate, although it was later settled with the family of the worker.
Farooqi’s career has also seen her become a target of online harassment and abuse. Like many female journalists in Pakistan, she has faced significant challenges due to her outspoken views and coverage of sensitive topics. In 2024, she took legal action against Dr. Omer Adil and Zohaib Saleem Butt after derogatory comments were made about her on a podcast.
Over the years, Farooqi has remained a prominent figure in the fight for journalistic freedom and women’s rights within the media industry. Her boldness in addressing political issues and her resilience in the face of personal attacks have cemented her place in Pakistan’s media landscape. Despite the personal and professional obstacles she has encountered, Gharida Farooqi continues to influence the discourse in Pakistan through her work on television and her outspoken advocacy for the rights of female journalists.
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Gharida Farooqi Controversies
Gharida Farooqi has been at the center of several high-profile controversies throughout her career, some of which have deeply impacted her public image. One of the most significant incidents occurred in July 2017 when a 15-year-old domestic worker was found in her home, allegedly held in illegal detention and subjected to abuse.
The Lahore police rescued the girl, and the incident garnered widespread media attention. Farooqi faced accusations of mistreatment, which led to public outrage and intense scrutiny. In August 2017, the matter was settled with the victim’s family, but the controversy cast a shadow over Farooqi’s career. Many criticized her for the alleged abuse, raising questions about the responsibilities of public figures in Pakistan.
Gharida Farooqi Awards
Gharida Farooqi has been recognized with several awards throughout her career. The most notable of these is the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, which was awarded to her on Pakistan’s Independence Day, August 14, 2023. This award was given in recognition of her significant contributions to journalism. The official ceremony took place on March 23, 2024, alongside other prominent figures from various fields, including media, science, and education​.
The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and achievements in their respective fields, and Gharida Farooqi was honored for her impactful work in the media industry. Her journalistic contributions, especially through her current affairs show “G for Gharida,” have made her a respected figure in Pakistan’s media landscape. Other media personalities like Amjad Aziz Malik, Shama Junejo, and Fahad Hussain were also among the recipients​.
Gharida Farooqi Husband
Gharida Farooqi is married to Shahbaz Sharif. Shahbaz Sharif is a prominent political figure, having served as the Chief Minister of Punjab and a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N).
Gharida Farooqi Net Worth
Gharida Farooqi has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2024.
Gharida Farooqi Social Media Presence
Gharida Farooqi maintains a strong presence on social media across multiple platforms. Here are her social media handles:
- Twitter: @GFarooqi
- Instagram: gfarooqi
FAQs
Who is Gharida Farooqi?
Gharida Farooqi is a prominent Pakistani journalist and television anchor known for her incisive interviews and hosting the current affairs show “G for Gharida.”
When was Gharida Farooqi born?
She was born on April 1, 1978.
Where was Gharida Farooqi born?
Gharida Farooqi was born in Saudi Arabia.
What is Gharida Farooqi’s nationality?
She is a Pakistani national.
What is Gharida Farooqi’s educational background?
Gharida holds a master’s degree in International Relations from Lahore.
What are some of Gharida Farooqi’s career achievements?
She has worked for major news channels such as Geo News, Samaa TV, and Express News. In 2024, she received the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award for her contributions to journalism.
What show does Gharida Farooqi host?
She hosts the popular current affairs show “G for Gharida,” where she interviews prominent political figures and covers pressing national issues.
Has Gharida Farooqi been involved in any controversies?
Yes, in 2017, she faced a legal issue related to the alleged illegal detention of a 15-year-old domestic worker in her home, which caused significant public and media scrutiny.
