Fahad Desmukh

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.

Recent Stories

Sports

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

The World

July 01, 2014

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.

Environment

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

The World

May 27, 2014

The World Health Organisation declared Pakistan one of three polio exporting countries in the world, and advised all international travelers from Pakistan be vaccinated. Of the 82 confirmed polio cases reported worldwide so far the year, 66 of them are from Pakistan.

Lifestyle & Belief

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

The World

February 28, 2014

Pakistan's had a strict ban on YouTube since the controversial "Innocence of Muslims" video was posted there in 2012. But Pakistan's musicians and artists say the ban has moved from being about religion to being about politics. And they want it lifted.

Arts, Culture & Media

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

The World

December 26, 2013

There are a number of amateur and semi-professional Christian/Gospel rock bands in Pakistan. Among them is Hallelujah, which has parlayed its mix of rock and Christian themes into a little bit of mainstream attention.

Arts, Culture & Media

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

The World

July 17, 2013

Balochistan is one of the most underdeveloped regions in Pakistan, and has traditionally had a heavily male-dominated patriarchal society. That's changing as women are now taking up leading roles in the Baloch nationalist movement.

Arts, Culture & Media

'Burgers': The New Power Brokers in Pakistan?

The World

June 05, 2013

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.

Conflict & Justice

Murder of PTI Senior Official Zara Shahid Hussain Rocks Karachi

The World

May 20, 2013

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.

Development & Education

Pakistan's Election Symbols

The World

May 10, 2013

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.

Conflict & Justice

Ban on Cell Phone Use in Pakistan

The World

December 31, 2012

Conflict & Justice

The Parsi Community in Karachi, Pakistan

The World

November 28, 2012

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

Fahad Desmukh

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