Top Pakistani Columnists 2025 – The Best Column Writers of Today

Pakistan has many strong and fearless columnists who write about truth, politics, and people’s lives. Their words help explain what is happening in the country every day. These writers ask hard questions, share honest opinions, and make readers think deeply about society and government. In 2025, their voices are still powerful. They speak about justice, freedom, corruption, and hope.

This list highlights the top Pakistani columnists whose articles, interviews, and ideas reach millions of people and start real conversations across the nation.

Dr. Shahid Masood

Dr. Shahid Masood is a well-known Pakistani journalist, columnist, and television anchor famous for his dramatic and analytical style. Trained originally as a medical doctor, he switched to journalism after developing a deep interest in politics and global affairs. Over the years, he has hosted several popular TV shows such as “Meray Mutabiq,” “End of Time,” and “Live with Dr. Shahid Masood.” In 2025, he hosts his show on GNN, where his episodes regularly trend online.

His writing and talk shows usually cover international politics, the economy, religion, and power struggles within Pakistan. Dr. Shahid Masood is known for connecting global events with local politics, showing how foreign policy affects ordinary Pakistanis. He often talks about issues like the U.S. role in the Middle East, global conspiracies, and Pakistan’s internal corruption.

People like him because of his strong speaking style, quick delivery, and deep vocabulary. He presents news like a storyteller, mixing facts with opinion and predictions. However, this style also attracts controversy, critics say he sometimes makes bold claims without evidence, while his followers praise him for being one of the few voices who “speaks the truth.”

He has served in senior media positions, including as the Managing Director of PTV and head of ARY News. His professional journey has seen ups and downs, but he remains one of the most-watched and discussed analysts in the country. Even today, his columns and shows continue to go viral on Facebook, X, and YouTube, where his followers wait for his unique take on every major event.

Orya Maqbool Jan

Orya Maqbool Jan is a senior Pakistani columnist, writer, poet, and former civil servant. He was born in Gujrat, Punjab, and served in the bureaucracy before turning toward journalism and writing full-time. His Urdu columns and TV programs have gained millions of followers who admire his strong conservative and nationalist views. He is best known for his talk show “Harf e Raaz,” where he discusses politics, religion, and global affairs from a moral and historical angle.

Orya’s writing is rich with references to history, Islamic civilization, and traditional values. He criticizes western influence, liberalism, and what he sees as the decline of cultural and moral standards in Pakistan. His views often divide audiences, many people see him as a defender of faith and identity, while others find his opinions controversial or too religious.

He writes mainly in Urdu newspapers such as Daily Express and his columns are widely shared on social media. Orya Maqbool Jan’s speaking style is emotional, poetic, and filled with quotes from literature and scripture. He often reminds readers of the golden Islamic past and calls for moral and spiritual revival in Pakistan.

Even his critics admit that he is deeply knowledgeable and well-read. He has written books, essays, and TV scripts, and his language skills make his writing powerful. Jan continues to be one of Pakistan’s most followed columnists, especially among readers who prefer cultural and religious perspectives. His bold opinions and poetic style keep him viral across YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

Najam Sethi

Najam Sethi is one of Pakistan’s most senior journalists and political analysts. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of “The Friday Times,” one of Pakistan’s oldest independent English-language newspapers. Educated at Government College Lahore and Cambridge University, Sethi is widely respected for his deep understanding of history, politics, and governance.

Throughout his career, Najam Sethi has worn many hats, editor, columnist, political analyst, caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, and even chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. His unique combination of journalism, public service, and sports management makes him one of the most experienced public figures in the country.

His English columns are detailed, fact-based, and analytical. He avoids sensationalism and focuses instead on power structures, the constitution, and civil-military relations. Readers value his calm, logical, and sometimes critical tone. On TV, he co-hosts “Najam Sethi Show,” which discusses politics, governance, and foreign relations in a conversational format.

He often gives insider information about politics, based on his decades-long network within Lahore’s and Islamabad’s political circles. Because of this, his analysis is often quoted by other journalists. While some consider him close to the establishment, others see him as a realist who understands the limits of Pakistani politics.

Najam Sethi continues to write and speak with authority and calmness. His opinions don’t go viral for shock value but for credibility and insight. He represents the thoughtful, intellectual side of journalism, someone who believes in democracy, rational debate, and long-term reform in Pakistan.

Javed Chaudhry

Javed Chaudhry is one of Pakistan’s most popular Urdu columnists and television anchors. He was born in Bahawalpur and holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication. His famous Urdu column series “Zero Point” has been published in Daily Express for many years and is loved for its storytelling style. On television, he hosts “Kal Tak” on Express News, where he interviews politicians, thinkers, and social leaders.

His writing style is simple, emotional, and full of life lessons. Each column begins with a story, sometimes from history, sometimes from an ordinary person’s experience, and ends with a message about honesty, hope, or justice. This storytelling approach makes his columns easy to read for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Unlike some other columnists who use difficult words, Javed Chaudhry writes in plain Urdu so that even a school student can understand. This clarity is what made him one of the most-read writers in the country. He often writes about moral values, self-improvement, and corruption in society. His columns also focus on real-life heroes, teachers, doctors, soldiers, or workers who made a difference quietly.

On TV, his interviews are known for sharp questions and controlled emotions. He avoids shouting matches and keeps the discussion structured. His reputation as an honest journalist has earned him the trust of millions of viewers.

Chaudhry remains a leading media personality whose words inspire and educate. Whether it’s politics, social reform, or moral guidance, his columns always aim to remind readers that change starts from within.

Saleem (Salim) Safi

Saleem Safi is a respected journalist, political analyst, and columnist who has built a reputation for calm, detailed, and well-researched commentary. He was born in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and started his career as a reporter focusing on Afghanistan and tribal regions. Over the years, he has become one of the most trusted names for analysis on Pakistan’s security and foreign affairs.

Safi hosts the weekly show “Jirga” on Geo News, a popular platform known for in-depth interviews with politicians, generals, and social leaders. His Urdu columns are published in the Daily Jang and his English pieces often appear in The News International. His writing covers topics like the Taliban, Pak–Afghan relations, the peace process, political power struggles, and the future of democracy in Pakistan.

Unlike many talk-show hosts who prefer emotional debates, Saleem Safi stays composed. He uses facts, sources, and background knowledge from his years of field reporting. That’s why many consider him more credible and balanced. He has traveled widely to conflict areas and has firsthand knowledge of how decisions made in Islamabad affect people in Khyber, Kabul, or Kashmir.

His words go viral when he publishes exclusive interviews or insights into behind-the-scenes political stories. Social media users often share clips of his respectful but tough questions. Even today, Safi remains a bridge between the establishment and the public, someone who asks uncomfortable questions politely, but persistently. He is respected for integrity, discipline, and professionalism.

Irshad Bhatti

Irshad Bhatti is a well-known Pakistani journalist, columnist, and political analyst who has become a familiar face on television and social media in recent years. He writes a regular Urdu column for Daily Jang and appears as a panelist and commentator on Geo News programs like “Report Card.” With his witty remarks, sharp analysis, and sometimes humorous tone, Irshad Bhatti has made a special place for himself in Pakistan’s media landscape.

Born and raised in Punjab, Bhatti began his career in print journalism before entering television. His early work focused on social and political issues, but over time, he became famous for his strong opinions on current affairs, governance, and corruption. Unlike many analysts who speak in long academic terms, Bhatti talks in plain, straightforward language that ordinary viewers can understand.

His style mixes humor with critique. He uses jokes, sarcasm, and real-life examples to make his points about politicians and policies. This approach has earned him a massive online following, especially on Twitter and YouTube, where short clips of his comments often go viral. Even when discussing serious matters, he manages to keep the conversation lively and interesting.

Irshad Bhatti’s strength lies in his independence, he is not afraid to question both the government and the opposition. While some see him as a pro-establishment voice, others admire him for being balanced and patriotic. He is also known for standing up for media freedom and raising his voice against political hypocrisy.

Bhatti continues to be one of the most engaging columnists and TV personalities in Pakistan. His mix of humor, realism, and fearless commentary keeps people entertained and informed. Whether through his Jang columns or viral TV clips, Bhatti remains one of the few journalists who can make politics both serious and fun to follow.

Sohail Warraich

Sohail Warraich is a senior journalist, writer, and television host known for his calm personality and famous catchphrase “Kia yeh khula tazzad nahi?” (“Is this not an open contradiction?”). He was born in Sargodha and started his journalism career in the 1980s, working for various Urdu newspapers before joining Geo News and Daily Jang.

He became popular through his long-running interview show “Aik Din Geo Ke Saath”, where he spent a day with political, cultural, or entertainment figures, showing their personal side. His style was soft, polite, and respectful, yet insightful. He has also hosted “Left Right” and contributed thoughtful Urdu columns about politics, human behavior, and society.

Warraich’s biggest strength is his ability to simplify complex political situations. He doesn’t attack or sensationalize; instead, he observes and explains. Readers appreciate that he doesn’t take extreme positions. His interviews often become viral because guests feel relaxed and open up about things they never said before. Politicians, actors, and even generals have praised his neutrality.

He also writes books on Pakistani politics, analyzing power games and personalities with gentle humor. His Urdu writing style is clear, witty, and often poetic. Till date, Sohail continues to be admired for his maturity and balanced opinions. Many young journalists see him as a role model for ethical journalism, strong on facts, soft in tone. His voice remains a refreshing contrast in a media culture full of noise and anger.

Hamid Mir

Hamid Mir is one of Pakistan’s most famous and respected journalists. He started his career as a reporter in the 1980s and rose to become one of the top political talk show hosts and columnists in the country. He writes for the Daily Jang in Urdu and also contributes English opinion pieces to The Washington Post. His television program “Capital Talk” on Geo News has been one of the longest-running and most-watched political talk shows in Pakistan.

Hamid Mir is known for his bravery and for speaking the truth even when it puts him in danger. Over his career, he has survived several attacks, including an assassination attempt in 2014 when gunmen shot him in Karachi. Even after that, he did not stop writing or speaking out. His reporting often covers sensitive issues such as human rights, and press freedom.

What makes him stand out is his deep knowledge of Pakistan’s political and security history. He has interviewed many world leaders, including Osama bin Laden before 9/11, and is known for his fearless coverage of wars in Afghanistan and the tribal areas.

His columns are written in a personal, passionate style. He often criticizes censorship, corruption, and the use of power against journalists. Many of his pieces go viral because he writes what many people are afraid to say publicly. Hamid remains not only a top columnist but also a symbol of courage and free expression in Pakistani media. His voice continues to guide national conversations and inspire the next generation of journalists.

Nusrat Javed

Nusrat Javed is a senior Pakistani journalist and columnist with decades of experience in political reporting. He started his career as a parliamentary correspondent and became famous for his deep knowledge of legislative processes and behind-the-scenes politics. Over time, he moved from print to television, becoming one of the sharpest and most outspoken anchors on Pakistani media.

He co-hosted the popular talk show “Bolta Pakistan” on Aaj TV, where he and Mushtaq Minhas discussed daily politics in a witty, critical, and often sarcastic way. His journalism is known for humor mixed with realism, he highlights how power works inside Islamabad, especially in parliament and political parties. His Urdu columns and YouTube videos continue to attract strong engagement from politically aware readers.

Nusrat Javed is respected for his courage. He has faced bans, threats, and even brief arrests for speaking against censorship or establishment interference. Despite challenges, he continues to write and comment independently. His columns often include insider stories about backroom deals, party strategies, and the behavior of politicians that the public doesn’t see on TV.

In 2025, Nusrat Javed’s voice is valued for its experience and authenticity. He speaks as someone who has seen Pakistan’s politics evolve for 40 years. His commentary is popular on X (Twitter) and YouTube, where he breaks down news events with humor and wisdom. For readers who want a mix of honesty, satire, and insight, Nusrat Javed remains one of the most trusted columnists in the country.

Hassan Nisar

Hassan Nisar is one of Pakistan’s most outspoken and fearless columnists. He writes in Urdu and is widely known for his direct, often blunt way of expressing opinions. He began his journalism career in Lahore and gained national fame through his TV talk shows like “Choraha” and “Meray Mutabiq” on Geo News. His columns are published in the Daily Jang newspaper and are shared daily on social media.

Nisar’s style is unique, he speaks and writes with emotion, frustration, and deep historical insight. He often connects current political events with Pakistan’s long struggle with corruption, inequality, and social backwardness. He criticizes politicians, bureaucrats, and sometimes even religious and social leaders for what he calls the “failure to modernize.” His famous phrase “yeh qaum theek nahi ho sakti” (“this nation cannot improve”) became a viral meme, often shared humorously but with meaning.

He also has a deep love for history and culture. In his columns, he often refers to Islamic civilization, Mughal history, and lessons from global revolutions. Unlike many TV anchors, he doesn’t hide his emotions, he speaks with anger when he sees hypocrisy in leadership, and with sadness when discussing Pakistan’s lost potential.

In recent years, Nisar has written more about generational change, calling for young Pakistanis to take charge and bring intellectual honesty into politics. His columns trend frequently because of short video clips or bold statements that spread fast on X (Twitter) and Facebook. Some find him too harsh, but many respect him for saying what others avoid. Hassan Nisar continues to be a loud, influential, and unforgettable voice in Pakistan’s journalism scene.

Conclusion

Columnists play an important role in shaping how people think and talk about the country. They don’t just report facts, they explain what those facts mean. Their words give people courage, awareness, and knowledge. Even when opinions differ, these writers keep the national debate alive and help readers see new sides of every story. Even today, they continue to write with honesty, courage, and love for Pakistan, proving that strong journalism can still guide a nation toward truth and understanding.