Yalda Hakim: From Kabul to Global Headlines — The Fearless Voice of War-Zone Journalism

Prativad Exclusive Report | By: Deepak Sharma
London | In 1983, a baby girl was born in war-torn Kabul. Just six months later, her family fled the Soviet invasion, seeking refuge in Pakistan and eventually migrating to Australia. That child, Yalda Hakim, has today become one of the most powerful and fearless voices in global journalism. Known for her sharp reporting, bold questioning, and human-centric storytelling from conflict zones, she now stands as a beacon of truth, justice, and female empowerment in international media.
A Journalist Who Found Humanity in the Midst of War
Yalda began her journalism career at SBS World News in Australia and quickly rose to fame as the anchor of Dateline. In 2012, she joined BBC World News and became the face of major global programs like Impact with Yalda Hakim, where she reported from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq, and Sudan—bringing the human cost of war into the public eye.
Her strength lies not just in anchoring but in ground-level reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous regions. She brings raw, unfiltered voices from war survivors, refugees, and communities directly affected by conflict.
Interviews That Made Headlines
Over the years, Yalda has interviewed world leaders including Afghanistan’s former president Hamid Karzai, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Hillary Clinton, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Her 2021 interview with a Taliban spokesperson during their takeover of Kabul went viral, earning praise for her fearless and direct questioning under tense circumstances.
The New Face of Global News at Sky
In July 2023, Yalda moved from the BBC to Sky News, where she now anchors The World with Yalda Hakim. The show has quickly gained attention for its comprehensive global coverage and hard-hitting interviews. Her recent grilling of a Pakistani minister over alleged terror links became a viral moment, especially in India and South Asia.
Yalda Hakim Foundation – Empowering Afghan Girls Through Education
In 2018, Yalda launched the Yalda Hakim Foundation, focused on providing scholarships and mentorship to Afghan girls. The foundation works with institutions like Oxford University and the American University of Afghanistan to ensure that girls from conflict zones are not denied their right to education and leadership.
Fluent in Six Languages
Yalda speaks English, Dari (Persian), Urdu, Hindi, Pashto, and French—an ability that helps her connect directly with the people she reports on, cutting through cultural barriers with ease and authenticity.
Yalda Hakim is more than just a journalist—she is a symbol of resistance, courage, and empathy. Her journey from refugee to international news anchor is a story of grit and inspiration for countless young girls across the world. In an era of noise and misinformation, Yalda’s journalism stands tall—raw, bold, and human.