How to Become a Foreign Affairs Reporter in Pakistan

Countries are now more interconnected than ever before: 

• Developments in the US ripple through South Asia; 
• Middle Eastern politics reshape European policies; 
• Economic upheavals in East Africa send shockwaves across global markets.

International politics is a complex hodge-podge network of events, interests, ideas, realities, and aspirations. 

Who helps us make sense of this rapidly evolving global web? It’s the foreign affairs reporters!

Foreign affairs reporters are journalists who specialize in covering international news and events.

At the most basic level, international affairs are composed of actions and events. Before any academics, policy-makers, or decision-makers can interpret them, it’s the foreign affairs correspondents that gather and report facts as they unfold.

Want to explore this role for yourself? 

Read on to find how you can step into this career path.

What Does Foreign Affairs Reporting in Pakistan Involve?

In Pakistan, foreign affairs reporters have played a prominent role during international crises, such as the wars in Afghanistan. [example of prominent pakistani journalists]]

Foreign affairs reporters translate complex international developments into stories that matter to Pakistani audiences. 

For example, your daily responsibilities would include:

• Covering diplomatic visits 
• Analyzing policy statements from the Foreign Office, embassies, and other diplomatic offices
• Reporting on international conferences
• Investigating international events and connecting how global events impact Pakistan’s interests.

The role extends beyond traditional reporting. You might find yourself covering trade negotiations that affect Pakistan’s economy, military cooperation agreements, or cultural exchanges that strengthen bilateral relationships. 

Modern foreign affairs reporters also engage in multimedia storytelling, producing podcasts, video analyses, and social media content to reach diverse audiences.

Your working environment would vary dramatically – from the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad to international press centers during summit meetings, from newsroom analysis to field reporting during international crises affecting Pakistani interests.

Practical Steps to Get Started

1. Build Your Educational Foundation

There is no specific degree that ensures a career in foreign affairs reporting. But having certain academic foundations can prove invaluable. 

A BS degree in International Relations, Media and Communication, Journalism, and similar fields can create strong foundations for international reporting careers.

These programs can help you understand international affairs; educate you in history, geography, economy, and politics of nations; and train you in reporting, observing, analyzing, and writing about events.

2. Develop the Required Skills & Qualities 

You need several foundational skills and personal qualities for this career path. Ask yourself, are you inclined towards:

• Asking informed questions
• Analyzing complex information from multiple sources
• Presenting difficult ideas in accessible language for general audiences
• Utilizing digital tools for creating and engaging with stories

Sounds too much? Look, if you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already been doing these. 

As a student, you’re trained to ask the right questions. You’ve given exams and presentations, analyzing complex information and presenting it in simple language. You’re already using the internet and various digital tools for your daily tasks. 

Now, you just need to focus on what you already do and upskill on it.

How? The next part answers:

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Practice and improve your writing skills by contributing to newspapers, magazines, and online platforms that focus on international issues. 

Apply for relevant internships, training programs, and courses. You can find them at: 

• News organizations with strong international coverage 
• Think tanks and training programs, such as the Foreign Affairs Correspondent Program offered by IPDS.
• International organizations (Both IGOs and NGOs)
• Internships by embassies and diplomatic offices or cultural exchange programs
  

4. Build a Professional Network

Here’s how: 

• Create a compelling LinkedIn profile highlighting your career goals and aspirations. Follow the professionals in the field. 
• Engage meaningfully with posts from established international journalists.
• Participate in professional events. Public lectures, seminars, discussions. Make your presence known and memorable by asking deep questions.
• Network with journalists, officials, and diplomats. And you can network with diplomats without seeming unprofessional, so stop worrying.

Immediate Steps You Can Take Right Now:

1. Follow professionals like international journalists, news agencies, diplomats, academics, and policy-makers on LinkedIn & X.

Starting point: Follow the profiles, relevant & interesting people will start flowing into your feed and suggestions: 

• Farhat Asif
• Alexander Borum

2. Subscribe to newsletters and publications covering international affairs

Starting point: Here are some recommendations:

• The Diplomatic Dispatch
• E-IR Newsletter
• IR Career Starters
  

3. Attend one embassy event or public lecture this month

Starting point: If you’re in Islamabad, join these whatsapp groups for upcoming events:

4. Write an analysis piece on specific topic

Starting point: You start making submissions at these sites:

• The Diplomatic Insight

5. Research and apply for relevant internships or training programs

Starting point: Check out these programs

• Foreign Affairs Correspondent Program – by IPDS
• Keep active on LinkedIn, media houses like BBC, AlJazeera, the US Exchange programs, and NGOs of Journalists often create such programs

To Sum Up,

Everyone’s career trajectory is different and often unpredictable. But with the foundations and actions recommendation, you would at least have a clear focus. 

Moreover, all steps discussed here are transferable, and can help you build not only a career in foreign affairs reporting, but a better lifestyle in general.

Ready to take the next step toward your career in foreign affairs reporting? The Foreign Affairs Correspondent Program offers specialized training designed specifically for Pakistani journalists and students seeking to excel in international reporting.