This exclusive story brought down Pakistan government

Being associated with a company for 18 long years isn’t a small feat and if it is a newspaper and you are a writer, you may obviously have written innumerable articles.

I can easily recall a number of stories that made direct connections with people, and that is easy to say because even after years of having written them, I still get a number of emails on the issue asking for my help or guidance. Such is the power of the written word. But a recently done story has had an impact like never before and will be remembered for a long time to come.

Well, it is not every day that a journalist gets to bring down a government.

In July last year, the then prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, was undergoing a judicial probe for corruption and had links to a UAE-based company where he was appointed as a head and being paid a salary by his son who owned the company while holding government office.

My exclusive story on how the probing committee verified his UAE contract from a law firm based in Dubai changed the entire outcome of the case and Nawaz stood disqualified for corruption.

It was a big moment for me as a journalist and for Khaleej Times as well since we became part of the historical decision.

When the story broke online, the impact, as expected was huge.

All Pakistani media and subsequently, international media picked up the story and it went viral.

People rejoiced at the ouster and I got a huge number of emails and a fan following on social media as well.

I was commended for my timely story and people still remember and mention it.

However, with the bouquets come brickbats too and I am still also facing flak from Nawaz’ supporters who argue that the court judgment was not based on a solid reasoning.

After Nawaz’ ouster, he held a number of rallies and meetings and in each public meeting.

He always questions and accuses the judiciary asking “Mujhe Kyun Nikala?” (Why did you throw me out?).

This he claims saying that he was an elected PM and only people had the power to oust him. ‘Mujhe Kyun Nikala’ has kind of become a national slogan spoken by all and sundry and somehow people associate it with my story.

Recently, a friend has gifted me my personal domain titled www.mujhayqnikala. com in appreciation for my story. And, oh yes, recently,

I have also had a tee customised with the same slogan.

So the impact will be remembered for a long time to come.