Hazara Journalist Mohammed Zubair Khan's BBC Investigation Named a Finalist for Sony Impact Award.

LONDON: Pakistani investigative journalist Mohammed Zubair Khan, who hails from Hazara, has received international recognition after a BBC investigative film he worked on was named among the finalists for the Sony Impact Award.
The documentary, Stolen Lives: Who Gave Our Children HIV?, investigates the spread of HIV among children in a government hospital in Taunsa Sharif, Punjab, and raises serious concerns about alleged violations of medical safety protocols.
Investigative Team Includes Ghazal Abbasi and Seamus Mirodan
According to information from the Rory Peck Trust, Khan worked on the investigation alongside Ghazal Abbasi and Seamus Mirodan.
The team examined interviews with affected families, medical records and other evidence to investigate the circumstances surrounding HIV infections among children and assess concerns about infection prevention practices in healthcare facilities.
Investigation Raises Concerns About Hospital Safety
The documentary examined alleged failures in medical safety procedures at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Taunsa Sharif.
The reported concerns included the alleged reuse of syringes, unsafe injection practices and possible shortcomings in the handling and use of medical supplies.
The investigation also referred to at least 331 children diagnosed with HIV between November 2024 and October 2025. However, these figures do not establish that every child acquired the infection at the same hospital.
Government Response Following the Investigation
The BBC investigation raised important questions about child health, infection prevention in hospitals and accountability within healthcare institutions.
According to the Rory Peck Trust, the broadcast prompted a response at the government level, with reports of subsequent changes relating to laws and policies.
Mohammed Zubair Khan's Journalism Career
Mohammed Zubair Khan is an investigative journalist, field producer and documentary filmmaker with more than two decades of professional experience.
His work with the BBC has involved reporting on sensitive and complex issues, gathering evidence from the field and bringing the experiences of affected communities to a wider audience.
Recognition for Hazara
The film's selection as a finalist for an international journalism award is a notable development for the journalistic community in Hazara.
Khan's recognition also highlights how locally grounded investigative reporting can draw international attention to critical issues involving public health, institutional accountability and human rights.