Afghan Biographies

Pajhwok


Name Pajhwok
Ethnic backgr.
Date of birth
Function/Grade Afghan News Agency
History and Biodata

Background:
Pajhwok Afghan News is Afghanistan’s leading independent news agency, providing daily coverage from across the country. The name “Pajhwok” means “echo” or “reflection” in both Dari and Pashto. It was chosen by Pajhwok’s journalists after an intensive search to find a name that reflects the mission of the agency and embraces national unity. Pajhwok started as a special project to report on Afghanistan’s historic Constitutional Loya Jirga in December 2003, and was established as a news agency in April 2004 with headquarters in Kabul.

Today, Pajhwok produces daily news and features in English, Pashto and Dari to an Afghan and international audience. With eight provincial bureaus, a network of reporters nation-wide and overseas, and in-depth local knowledge, Pajhwok provides a breadth of coverage that is unique in the country.

Pajhwok’s subscribers include Afghanistan’s major radio and television stations, as well as daily and weekly publications. Government and private institutions, non-governmental organisations and the overseas Afghan diaspora also rely on Pajhwok for news about Afghanistan.

Pajhwok is a truly independent organisation. It is staffed, managed, and led entirely by Afghan leaders in local media who are not affiliated with political parties or figures, or commercial enterprises. The agency aims through its reporting to help citizens to participate more broadly in public life, and to provide timely information that will help to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

Last Modified 2011-04-30
Established 2010-03-02