ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Wednesday conferred the “Best Foreign Journalist of the Decade in Pakistan (2015–2025)” award on Jiang Chao, Bureau Chief of Xinhua News Agency, in recognition of his decade-long contribution to objective journalism and promotion of Pakistan–China friendship.
Speaking at the award-giving ceremony in Islamabad, PFUJ President Muhammad Nawaz Raza said the decision was made after a comprehensive review of foreign journalists who had served in Pakistan. “When the PFUJ decided to begin honouring foreign journalists who served in Pakistan, Jiang Chao stood at the top of all categories after careful scrutiny. His professionalism and credibility have earned him respect not only in Islamabad but across the country,” he said.
Raza said the award recognised Jiang’s consistent commitment to responsible reporting and his deep understanding of Pakistan. “This award recognises Jiang Chao’s outstanding contribution to journalism in Pakistan over the past decade. From Khunjerab to Gwadar, his reporting reflected objective, responsible, and fact-based journalism, showing a deep understanding of Pakistan and highlighting development and public welfare,” he added.
Highlighting the broader significance of journalism in bilateral relations, the PFUJ president said media played a vital role in strengthening ties between the two countries. “Pakistan and China share an all-weather friendship built on trust and mutual respect. Jiang Chao has fulfilled this role with dedication, integrity, and a sincere commitment to promoting Pakistan–China understanding,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Jiang expressed gratitude to the PFUJ and the Pakistani journalistic community. “It is with deep humility and sincere gratitude that I receive the ‘2015–2025 Best Foreign Journalist Award’ from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because it comes from Pakistan’s national journalists’ organization,” he said, adding that the honor reflected “the shared spirit of professional, responsible journalism that connects us across borders.”
Reflecting on his years in the country, Jiang described Pakistan as more than a professional assignment. “Among all the countries where I have worked, Pakistan holds a very special place in my heart. Over the past eight years, Pakistan has become more than a professional posting; it has become my second home,” he said, praising the warmth of the people, the professionalism of local journalists, and the resilience of Pakistani society.
Jiang also underscored the importance of media cooperation in shaping future bilateral relations. “The future of China–Pakistan relations depends not only on governments and projects, but also on narratives, understanding, and people-to-people connections. Journalists have an indispensable role to play in this process,” he said, stressing the need for closer cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani media professionals.
The ceremony was attended by senior journalists, media professionals, including Tariq Sumair, RUIJ President Rana Kausar, Sajjad Azhar, Rub Nawaz Bajwa from APP, Tanveer Awan, Zaki Dogar, Haji Bilal from Faisalabad, Rana Qaisar Jamshaid, and guests from both Pakistani and Chinese media organisations.
