Introduction: Who Is Gharidah Farooqi?
Ever wondered what it takes to be a fearless journalist in a fast-paced, often challenging media world? Meet Gharidah Farooqi, a name that rings loud in Pakistani journalism. Known for her bold reporting and sharp interviews, Gharidah has become a household name through her TV show G for Gharidah. But her journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing—she’s faced controversies, online attacks, and intense scrutiny. So, what makes Gharidah Farooqi stand out? Let’s dive into her life, career, and the impact she’s made as one of Pakistan’s top female journalists.
In this article, we’ll explore Gharidah Farooqi’s biography, from her early days to her rise as a media star. We’ll cover her education, career milestones, controversies, and her role in shaping journalism in Pakistan. Whether you’re curious about her age, her TV show, or the challenges she’s faced, we’ve got it all covered. Stick around for the latest updates from 2024-2025 and see why Gharidah is a true trailblazer!
Early Life and Education: The Roots of a Journalist
Gharidah Farooqi was born on April 1, 1978, making her 47 years old as of 2025. While some sources claim she was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, others say she hails from Multan, Pakistan. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Gharidah showed an early interest in understanding the world around her. Her curiosity about global affairs and storytelling set the stage for her future career.
She pursued higher education at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan, earning a master’s degree in either International Relations or Mass Communication (sources vary, but her academic background reflects her interest in global and societal issues). As a young student, Gharidah was fascinated by news anchors on TV. She dreamed of being the voice that informed and inspired millions, a dream that would soon become reality.
- Birth Date: April 1, 1978
- Age (2025): 47 years
- Birthplace: Likely Multan, Pakistan (conflicting reports mention Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
- Education: Master’s degree from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
Career Journey: From Newscaster to Media Star
Gharidah Farooqi’s journalism career kicked off in 2005 when she joined PTV News as a newscaster. Her clear voice and confident presence quickly caught attention. After two years at PTV, she briefly worked at Dunya News in 2007 before landing a major role at Geo News, Pakistan’s largest media group, in 2008. Her time at Geo News (2008–2012) made her a recognizable face, as she tackled tough political stories and interviewed high-profile figures.
Over the years, Gharidah worked with several top channels, including Samaa TV, ATV, and Express News, where she became a senior anchor. In 2020, she joined News One, continuing her popular show G for Gharidah. By 2024, she was hosting the show on GTV, where she remains a leading voice in current affairs. Her ability to ask hard-hitting questions and stay unbiased has earned her both praise and criticism.
G for Gharidah: Her Signature Show
Launched in 2015, G for Gharidah is Gharidah Farooqi’s flagship current affairs program. Airing on channels like News One and GTV, the show covers political debates, social issues, and exclusive interviews. Some notable moments include:
- 2015: Interviewed Rana Sanaullah Khan, Punjab’s Law Minister, on media ratings and legal accountability.
- 2016: Spoke with Maryam Nawaz about her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s health.
- 2025: Hosted debates on critical issues like press freedom and political negotiations, as seen in her July 2025 X post about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government.
| Channel | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| PTV News | 2005–2007 | Newscaster |
| Dunya News | 2007 | Anchor |
| Geo News | 2008–2012 | Anchor/Journalist |
| Samaa TV | 2012 | Anchor |
| Express News | 2017–2020 | Senior Anchor |
| News One | 2020–2023 | Host, G for Gharidah |
| GTV | 2024–Present | Host, G for Gharidah |
Achievements and Recognition: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Gharidah Farooqi’s bold reporting has earned her significant recognition. In 2023, she received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, for her contributions to journalism. The award, presented on March 23, 2024, celebrated her role in shaping public discourse and covering critical issues like women’s rights and press freedom.
Her show G for Gharidah is praised for its fearless discussions and engaging format. Gharidah’s clear voice, sharp questions, and ability to handle heated debates have made her a favorite among viewers, especially on platforms like YouTube, where fans admire her presentation skills. She’s also known for mentoring young journalists, particularly women, inspiring them to break barriers in a male-dominated field.
- Key Achievement: Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (2023)
- Unique Contribution: Pioneering tough political interviews as a female journalist
- Audience Appeal: Known for her clear, relatable communication style
Controversies and Challenges: Facing the Storm
Being a prominent journalist in Pakistan comes with challenges, and Gharidah Farooqi has faced her share of controversies. Here are some major ones:
2017 Child Labor Allegation
In July 2017, Lahore police accused Gharidah of illegally detaining and mistreating a 15-year-old maid. The case sparked widespread media attention, with some outlets like ARY News amplifying the story. Gharidah denied the allegations, and by August 2017, she reached a settlement with the maid’s mother. She was never convicted, and the case remains a debated topic.
Online Harassment Campaigns
Since 2016, Gharidah has faced relentless online harassment, often linked to supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ) documented at least a dozen organized troll campaigns against her, including vile rape threats and character assassination. In 2022, a PTI supporter displayed a banner with a veiled rape threat at a rally, drawing condemnation from journalists like Hamid Mir. In 2024, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur accused her of taking payments to influence narratives, prompting Gharidah to announce legal action.
How She Responded
Gharidah has shown remarkable resilience. She’s filed complaints with the Federal Investigation Agency’s cybercrime wing and publicly called out her harassers. “It bothers them that they can silence everyone but not Gharidah,” she told CFWIJ, highlighting her determination to keep reporting despite threats. Her courage has inspired other female journalists to speak out against online abuse.
| Controversy | Year | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Labor Allegation | 2017 | Accused of mistreating a 15-year-old maid | Settled with maid’s mother; no conviction |
| Online Harassment by PTI Supporters | 2016–2024 | Faced trolling, rape threats, and smear campaigns | Filed FIA complaints; pursued legal action |
| Gandapur’s Allegations | 2024 | Accused of taking payments to influence reporting | Announced legal action against Gandapur |
Personal Life: Beyond the Spotlight
Gharidah Farooqi keeps her personal life private, but some details have surfaced. Some sources claim she is married to Shahbaz Sharif, a prominent PML-N politician and former Chief Minister of Punjab. However, this information is unverified and may be speculative, as Gharidah has not publicly confirmed it. She has also clarified rumors about being related to Sharmila Farooqui, stating she has no siblings.
Gharidah is a vocal advocate for women in journalism, often speaking about the challenges they face, from online trolling to workplace biases. She’s used her platform to call for safer environments for female journalists, earning support from peers like Mehr Bokhari and Benazir Shah.
- Marital Status: Possibly married to Shahbaz Sharif (unconfirmed)
- Advocacy: Championing women’s rights and press freedom
- Family: Limited public information; no confirmed siblings
Social Media Presence: Connecting with the Audience
Gharidah Farooqi is active on social media, particularly Twitter (now X), where she engages with her audience under the handle @GFarooqi. Her posts often cover breaking news, show updates, and responses to controversies. For example, in July 2025, she tweeted about a political debate on G for Gharidah, discussing potential no-confidence motions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Her communication style is direct and bold, often sparking discussions among followers.
She also uses social media to advocate for press freedom, as seen in her 2022 post condemning the illegal closure of News One and journalist harassment in Kashmir. Her online presence has made her a key figure in digital journalism, though it’s also exposed her to trolling.
- Twitter Handle: @GFarooqi
- Content Style: News updates, political commentary, and advocacy
- Impact: Amplifies her show’s reach and engages younger audiences
Public Perception and Influence: A Role Model and Critic
Gharidah Farooqi is both admired and criticized. Fans praise her for her fearless reporting and ability to challenge powerful figures. Her show G for Gharidah has shaped public opinion on issues like press freedom, women’s rights, and political accountability. Young female journalists look up to her as a role model, inspired by her resilience in a tough industry.
However, her outspoken style has made her a target for critics, especially PTI supporters, who accuse her of bias toward rival parties like PML-N. Despite this, her fan base remains strong, with many appreciating her clear voice and dedication to truth. The Coalition for Women in Journalism calls her “an outspoken empowering figure” in Pakistan’s media landscape.
- Positive Perception: Seen as bold, inspiring, and professional
- Criticism: Accused of bias by some political groups
- Influence: Mentor for aspiring female journalists
Latest Updates (2024-2025): What’s New with Gharidah?
As of 2024-2025, Gharidah Farooqi continues to host G for Gharidah on GTV, tackling hot-button issues like political negotiations and press freedom. In July 2024, she faced derogatory comments from Dr. Omer Adil on a podcast, prompting her to take legal action. In September 2024, she announced plans to sue Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for alleging she took payments to manipulate narratives.
Her X posts from 2025 show her engaging with current events, such as debates on regime change and PTI’s legal issues. She remains a vocal advocate for press freedom, condemning censorship and harassment of journalists, as highlighted in a May 2025 report by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.
- Recent Role: Host of G for Gharidah on GTV
- Legal Actions: Pursuing cases against Dr. Omer Adil and Ali Amin Gandapur
- Advocacy: Continues to speak out against media suppression