Ali Abdullah Khan
Lahore
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Pakistan
"If I were in charge, I would lift the illegal ban on student unions and hold its elections."
"We draw the red line against every type of oppression and discrimination, whether it is Gender, religion, ethnicity, or based on belief."
"We draw the red line against every type of oppression and discrimination, whether it is Gender, religion, ethnicity, or based on belief."
I became a political activist when I cleaned the wounds on my father's back after he was arrested and tortured for protesting and resisting oppression.
My activism focuses on student rights, and we have been working for the restoration of student unions for the past few years.
The challenges we face come from both state and campus authorities including discrimination, harassment, control of student activities, and even enforced disappearances and abductions at the hands of the state.
My ideology and the commitment of my comrades inspires me to continue.
Meet The Photographer
Murtaza Ali
Syed Murtaza Ali is a distinguished photojournalist whose lens captures the unseen narratives of our dynamic world. With a deep commitment to truth and visual storytelling, his work transcends mere imagery—each photograph reflects empathy, awareness, and a pursuit of change.
He is the recipient of several prestigious honors, including the Best Photojournalist Award 2020 by the All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS), the Tetra Pak Media Award 2011 for Environmental Photography, and the Third Prize in the Netherlands Embassy Photography Contest. These accolades stand as a testament to his dedication, creativity, and excellence in visual journalism.
Currently serving as a staff photojournalist at The Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English daily, Murtaza Ali’s work has also graced the pages of renowned international agencies such as AFP, AP, Reuters, Getty Images, DPA, EPA, and Shutterstock. His coverage spans conflict zones, humanitarian crises, environmental issues, politics, sports, culture, and daily life.
Beyond the lens, his mission is to illuminate stories that matter—those that inspire dialogue, empathy, and social awareness. Murtaza Ali believes in the transformative power of photography, where one image can spark a thousand conversations and bring unseen realities to light.
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