Golden Pen: Pakistani journalist Muhammad Abbas Khan wins Uzbekistan’s prestigious national media award

Daily Ittehad Media Group’s resident editor receives international honour for promoting objective reporting and strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations

Golden Pen National Award has been presented to Pakistani journalist Muhammad Abbas Khan in recognition of his contributions to international journalism and his coverage of Uzbekistan’s political, economic and social transformation.

Muhammad Abbas Khan, Resident Editor of the Daily Ittehad Media Group and a permanently accredited correspondent in Uzbekistan, secured second prize in the “Best Material about Uzbekistan by a Foreign Journalist” category at the 20th International Competition for the Golden Pen National Award.

Organisers presented the award during a ceremony held in Tashkent on June 26 to mark Press and Mass Media Workers’ Day. The event honoured leading journalists and media professionals from Uzbekistan and several other countries.

The jury recognised Khan for his consistent and objective reporting on Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms, economic development and social progress. His reporting has also highlighted the country’s foreign policy, regional cooperation, investment opportunities and sustainable development initiatives for audiences in Pakistan.

Over the years, Khan has published numerous analytical reports, interviews and feature articles covering Uzbekistan’s political landscape, trade relations, infrastructure projects, tourism, cultural exchanges and regional security. His work has contributed to greater understanding between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

A major milestone in his career came in 2025 with the publication of his Urdu-language book, “Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance Concept of the Future.” The book examines the reforms introduced under the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan, with a focus on science, education, innovation and human capital development.

The publication gained additional recognition after Shehbaz Sharif wrote its foreword. Officials launched the book during separate ceremonies in Islamabad and Tashkent, attended by senior government representatives, diplomats, academics, journalists and members of civil society.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan congratulated Muhammad Abbas Khan on receiving the award. The embassy described the recognition as a tribute to his professional excellence and valuable contribution to objective journalism.

The embassy also expressed confidence that Khan’s work would continue to strengthen media cooperation, mutual understanding and the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.