Fahad Desmukh

Fahad Desmukh is a reporter based in Karachi, Pakistan, and have been a regular contributor to The World since 2010.

I am a reporter based in Karachi, Pakistan, and have been a regular contributor to The World since 2010.

I particularly enjoy reporting on stories about the intersection of popular culture, politics and technology in Pakistan.

I am fascinated by the free-software movement and kung-fu cinema.

Pakistani soccer fans celebrate a Brazil victory in Lyari, one of the oldest and most densely populated parts of the city, plagued by street crime, drugs, and unemployment.

Some of Brazil's most fanatic soccer fans are in a Pakistani slum

Cricket is king in Pakistan, but one downtrodden neighborhood is mad for soccer — and the Brazilian national team. Lyari has produced some of Pakistan's biggest soccer stars, and its residents feel a special kinship with the World Cup host country.

Some of Brazil's most fanatic soccer fans are in a Pakistani slum
A child is immunized against polio at a makeshift clinic in the poor Karachi neighborhood called Hijrat.

Pakistani health officials are having a tough time getting parents to vaccinate their kids

Pakistani health officials are having a tough time getting parents to vaccinate their kids
Ali Gul Pir, Talal Qureshi and Adil Omar in a screenshot from from #KholoBC video.

Pakistani artists say their country's YouTube ban is about politics, not religion

Pakistani artists say their country's YouTube ban is about politics, not religion
Hallelujah performs at an annual prayer event in Kasur, Pakistan.

Hallelujah? Christian rock is gaining popularity in Pakistan — under the radar

Hallelujah? Christian rock is gaining popularity in Pakistan — under the radar

Baloch Women Taking More Prominent Role in Fight for Independence from Pakistan

Baloch Women Taking More Prominent Role in Fight for Independence from Pakistan

'Burgers': The New Power Brokers in Pakistan?

There's a newly emboldened group in Pakistan. They're westernized, relatively elite members of society who are often referred to as "burgers." Reporter Fahad Desmukh explains from Karachi.

'Burgers': The New Power Brokers in Pakistan?

Murder of PTI Senior Official Zara Shahid Hussain Rocks Karachi

In Pakistan, a high-ranking female politicians was gunned down on Saturday. Reporter Fahad Desmukh in Karachi tells anchor Marco Werman about the murder of Zara Shahid Hussain and explains how her death is creating instability for a key US ally.

Murder of PTI Senior Official Zara Shahid Hussain Rocks Karachi

Pakistan's Election Symbols

When Pakistan goes to the polls, their ballots will not have the names of any contesting parties on them. Using symbols on ballots has been standard procedure in Pakistani elections for decades, because over 40 percent of adult Pakistanis are illiterate.

Pakistan's Election Symbols

Ban on Cell Phone Use in Pakistan

Ban on Cell Phone Use in Pakistan

The Parsi Community in Karachi, Pakistan

The Parsi community of Karachi, Pakistan is shrinking quickly. Farhad Desmukh profiles two young Parsis who would like to stay.

The Parsi Community in Karachi, Pakistan

Blasphemy Case Against Pakistani Girl Dropped

A high court judge dropped a blasphemy case in Islamabad on Tuesday, against Rimsha, a Christian girl who was accused of burning pages from an Islamic children's textbook.

Blasphemy Case Against Pakistani Girl Dropped
The World

Pakistani Government Joins Anti-Islam Film Protest

Tensions are boiling in Pakistan over the anti-Islam video that's sparked protests in many Muslim nations. In Pakistan, the government has responded to the protests there by declaring tomorrow a national holiday, called "Day for the Love of the Prophet."

Pakistani Government Joins Anti-Islam Film Protest
The World

Cotton Fabric 'Lawn' is Fashion Craze in Pakistan

Reporter Fahad Desmukh tells us this material will be very popular on this year's fashion runway.

Cotton Fabric 'Lawn' is Fashion Craze in Pakistan

Standup Comedy in Pakistan Gains A Following

In Pakistan, standup comedy is catching on as a form of entertainment. As Fahad Desmukh reports from Karachi, country's problems provide a wealth of material for comedians.

Standup Comedy in Pakistan Gains A Following
The World

Urban Violence and Land Grabbing in Karachi

Karachi has long been plagued by urban violence, with many incidents attributed to tit-for-tat ethnic or political disputes.

Urban Violence and Land Grabbing in Karachi