Beena Sarwar is a Pakistani journalist, filmmaker, and human rights activist. Known for her work in media, peacebuilding, and social justice, she produces documentaries and writes on human rights, gender equality, and freedom of expression, representing progressive thought, storytelling, and advocacy in Pakistan’s public discourse.
Peace Award (United States Institute of Peace) – 2020
Media & dialogue work
Rumi Peace and Dialogue Award – 2016
Interfaith peace efforts
International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Courage in Journalism Award – 1994
Courageous reporting
Fellowship: Harvard Nieman Foundation – 2008
Journalism excellence
Commonwealth Scholarship – 1989
Academic achievement
Full Name: Beena Sarwar
Birthplace / Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan (raised in a secular, progressive household of intellectuals) influenced by a tradition of media and intellectual engagement.
Family Influence: Grew up around journalism and civic engagement (her father’s generation was involved in media leadership).
Bachelor’s Degree: BA in Art and Literature from Brown University, USA (1986).
Masters in TV Documentary: Goldsmiths College, University of London (2001).
Fellowships:
Nieman Fellow, Harvard University (2006).
Fellow, Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, Harvard Kennedy School (2007).
Residence: Based between Boston, USA and Karachi/Lahore, Pakistan, balancing journalism, teaching, and peace work.
Peace & Cross-Border Dialogue: Instrumental in fostering people-to-people peace initiatives between Pakistan and India, notably through Aman ki Asha and SAPAN.
Journalism & Mentorship: Trained and mentored journalists globally, shaping reporting standards in Pakistan and beyond.
Advocacy: Her commentary and reporting emphasize human rights, gender issues, extremism, peace, and justice across Southasia.
Southasia Narrative: Advocates a broader, inclusive concept of Southasia to transcend colonial borders and encourage cooperation
Beena Sarwar is a Pakistani multimedia journalist, editor, peace activist, and documentary filmmaker focused on human rights, media, gender, and peacebuilding.
She is best known for editing the Aman ki Asha peace initiative, founding the Southasia Peace Action Network (SAPAN) and Sapan News Network, and producing documentary films.
Beena Sarwar currently resides in Boston, USA, where she also teaches journalism.
Aman ki Asha (“Hope for Peace”) is a peace initiative jointly sponsored by major media groups in Pakistan and India to foster dialogue and understanding between the two countries.
Sapan is a syndicated news network founded by Beena Sarwar in 2021 to connect and highlight peace and human‑centered stories across South Asia and its diaspora.
Yes, Sarwar was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard and a Carr Center Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Yes, she has taught journalism at Emerson College, Brown, Princeton, and Harvard Summer School.
Her work spans human rights, peacebuilding, media freedom, gender issues, and South Asian relations.
Yes, she has directed or produced several documentaries, including Mukhtiar Mai: The Struggle for Justice.
Her articles and essays have appeared in international outlets including The Washington Post, Guardian, New York Times, BBC, and more.
“I have always believed that truth and storytelling can drive change. My mission is to shine a light on untold stories, empower voices, and inspire dialogue for a more informed and just society.”
she is a gem
Pakistani Hero is a platform dedicated to highlighting Pakistan’s real talent and inspiring stories from every field.
Submit Your Article
Want your article featured on Pakistani Hero?
Email us at info@pakistanihero.com — if it meets our criteria, we’ll publish it.
