A decade from now: the future of photojournalism in Pakistan

‘Photojournalism is about depicting reality. Photojournalism is the truth; it is the pursuit of justice.’

Renowned Pakistani barrister Qazi Faez Isa defined the essence of the craft during a lecture on ‘Laws and Photojournalism’ at a seminar on photojournalism at the Japan Cultural Centre in Karachi, Pakistan in 2008.

Photojournalism in Pakistan is a young and nascent field. However, shrinking editorial budgets, increasing competition, and mistrust of the press are just some of the factors which have already had a negative impact on the industry, disrupting its growth and progress.

Few photojournalists also shared some anecdotes with this essayist regarding their professional journey, the obstacles they had to face, how the landscape of the industry had transformed since they joined, and their views on why the field was not achieving its full potential.

Ali Awais, a photojournalist and visual artist based in Lahore, Pakistan, has had his fair share of struggles when he first entered the field six years ago. Apart from photojournalism not being able to flourish, there have been many pebbles in his shoe, which made his journey as a successful photojournalist difficult.

The most important issue that he has been facing for years is harassment by the local authorities. For instance, on one of his photographic trips to Sheikhupura from Lahore to capture the architecture of ‘Hirad Minar,’ he had travelled three hours, only for the local authorities to send him back without allowing him to take any pictures. "The fact is that the government does not ban photography, it’s just the local authorities who want to get some money out of it."

Apart from legal issues, there have been numerous economic issues which concern those who wish to pursue photojournalism. Danial Shah, a photojournalist and travel writer based in Karachi, Pakistan, believes that the reason photojournalism hasn’t been able to flourish is that it does not have a career in Pakistan. "If you have a degree in media or photography, you won’t end up with a good job at a newspaper because they don’t have any jobs available. You could have a different job and then you have to take pictures, you have to write, and have to report as well. In that way, I think you can sustain yourself, but alone as a photojournalist it’s hard."

However, the other side of the coin offers an optimistic outlook of photojournalism in Pakistan. With advancements in technology, the growing importance of social media, and globalisation, the field has a chance of making it big in the country.

Khaula Jamil, a photojournalist and documentary photography from Karachi, Pakistan, however, holds the opinion that somehow photojournalism in Pakistan had progressed and regressed at the same time. "There’s so much out there now that you don’t even know good or bad anymore, it’s so relative." For example, when someone opens their Instagram, their world is opened to a million photographs. There’s a whole compartment of imagery, with all kinds of filters and bits and bobs, but “it’s also what’s taking so many things forward.” In terms of progress, Jamil thinks that since various kinds of tools are coming out, which have actually proved helpful for photography and photojournalism alike, it can also work against it in certain ways.

Awais reckons it is easier to become a photojournalist now than it was when he started. "People have changed, and are now more supportive of the careers the youngsters choose to pursue." He maintains that photojournalism has progressed over the years because of easy access to social media and the internet. "Instagram has made it very easy for aspiring young talent. I see many people joining Instagram as photographers every day, every year. There are more photographers now in Pakistan."

Even though there have been obstacles in the way of talented and aspiring photojournalists, Awais thinks there is potential, and we just have to give it time. "There are many opportunities now and will be in the future which photojournalists can avail in the coming years."

Issues plaguing the young and growing industry of photojournalism in Pakistan are not farfetched. A number of people have faced similar issues, maybe even to a bigger extent, or even of a wider variety. Such experiences have led many talented people perplexed over their desire to become photojournalists and the troubles waiting ahead in the journey to become one.

With regards to those who were hesitant to become photojournalists, Jamil could not stress it enough that the field is easy to step foot in. In her opinion, photojournalism is easier for women in Pakistan than for men. "This is because automatically, or something to do with our culture, a woman is not looked upon as suspiciously in this field as a man is. I have been to so many places that my male friends were unable to gain access to." She recalled how once in the Lahore Court Office, there was a ‘gurdwara’ where nobody could enter. All she had to do be allowed inside was to ask the guy at the entrance for permission. "I went in and he even allowed me to take pictures with my camera in such a public place."

Maria Memon, a prominent broadcast journalist and current affairs anchor in Pakistan, thinks the respect and impact of journalism, generally, is already there. "I personally interact with people and personally experience it. The mainstream journalists are widely respected." She feels that if sometimes people don’t respect journalists, people want to be associated, connected, or socialised with the industry. "The reason for this is that these are the people that drive the narrative, they have the power to make or break you." She believes that journalists are going to be very relevant, today and tomorrow, as "all these people are going to make a difference."

Photojournalism in Pakistan may seem like a challenge. There may be many obstacles along the way. However, the important thing to remember is that there is potential, and there is growth. Along with challenges, there are tremendous opportunities worth going after.

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