Lahore Reporter Mohsin Bilal, Who Never Backs Down

Mohsin Bilal: The Uncompromising Journalist Asking Pakistan's Tough Questions

Lahore, Ali Imran Chattha 

In the bustling media landscape of Lahore, one name strikes a chord of respect and apprehension in equal measure: Mohsin Bilal. Renowned as the journalist who never shies away from the truth, Bilal, the Bureau Chief for Sun News Punjabi, has built a reputation for posing the difficult questions that others avoid. His incisive interrogations often fluster powerful politicians, but where others would retreat, Bilal advances—pressing his point with relentless logic and piercing follow-ups.

The Making of a Journalist

Bilal’s journalistic instincts were honed early. He began his career while still a student in 2006, cutting his teeth with internships at PTV and a private production house. Immediately after graduating in 2007, he launched his formal career with Waqt TV, part of the prestigious Nawa-i-Waqt media group.

His path was one of perseverance. After joining News Punjabi in 2011 and later Abtak News, his practical reporting journey solidified from 2012 onward. This path was not linear; he was fired from his job three separate times. Yet, each setback only strengthened his resolve to uphold the principles of fearless journalism.

A Life of Purpose

Bilal’s credibility is rooted in his authentic lived experience. A two-time elected member of the Lahore Press Club's governing body, he is also pursuing an M.Phil. at the University of the Punjab. His personal story is one of humble dedication: a father of three, he lives in a rented room with a friend and navigates the city on his motorcycle—a symbol of the grit and mobility that define his reporting style.

The Philosophy Behind the Questions

For Bilal, journalism is more than a job; it's an obsession. He attributes his fearless approach to his lower-middle-class background, which he says inoculates him from the culture of flattery and hypocrisy.

"The pursuit of a story and the verification of truth is my real passion," he states. "When you understand the political maneuvering, asking tough questions becomes a necessity. My job isn't to be liked or disliked; it is to ask."

This philosophy has led to iconic moments. His question to Shahzad Akbar on the "Dawn Leaks" scandal sent shockwaves across the nation. Similarly, his viral inquiry into the relationship between Maryam Nawaz and General Bajwa drew intense reactions from all sides of the political spectrum.

Facing Pressure

His integrity has come at a cost. During the PTI government's tenure, he was banned from entering the Chief Minister's Secretariat and Imran Khan's residence in Zaman Park. Government spokespersons often evade him, wary of his "piercing questions." Despite immense pressure, Bilal remains undeterred, believing that silence in the face of truth is not an option.

A Legacy of Memorable Reporting

One of his most significant career moments was his ground-breaking report from inside Adiala Jail during the sentencing of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Al-Qadir Trust case. While other reporters were present, Bilal's sharp analysis of the defendants' body language created a viral sensation on social media—a testament to his keen eye, even when others received the credit.

Guiding Principle

At the core of Mohsin Bilal's work is a simple, powerful belief: in journalism, the pursuit of truth far outweighs the security of a job. He embodies this with a personal motto:

"We are meant to light a candle, and so we must burn for as long as we can."