Dr Umair Haroon has been elected the first and currently only Pakistani member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the body behind the International Emmy Awards. The appointment recognises his 200+ productions and pioneering science-and-forensics storytelling. This milestone raises Pakistan’s profile within global television judging and collaboration.
Historic induction
Dr Umair Haroon’s election to the International Academy (IATAS) was announced by multiple national outlets, confirming he is Pakistan’s sole representative on the Academy’s membership list at this time. The appointment places him among a global group of media professionals who advise, judge and support international television standards.
Membership in IATAS means Haroon will join an institution that organises the International Emmy Awards and takes part in peer review, judging and programming activities that shape which international shows and creators receive recognition.
Career highlights
Dr Umair built a prolific body of work — more than 200 documentaries, short films and TV projects — with a distinct focus on forensic science, health and investigative storytelling. His projects are widely recognised for blending public service with mainstream media formats.
He also holds leadership roles in media and academia, including executive positions at news outlets and ongoing doctoral work, which strengthen his profile as both practitioner and scholar of media impact.
Impact on Pakistan television industry
Representation on the Academy gives Pakistani producers clearer pathways into international juries and networks; inclusion can help local projects get fairer evaluation and better visibility on the Emmy Awards stage. This appointment can accelerate co-production conversations, festival entries and mentoring ties for South Asian storytellers.
Beyond awards, the practical outcomes include invitations to panels, screenings and selection processes where Haroon can advocate for nuanced portrayals of Pakistan and help bridge cultural gaps between international gatekeepers and local creators.
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Key Achievements
Dr Umair’s notable achievements include:
- Over 200 documentaries and television projects spanning science, culture and public education.
- Creator/producer of Pakistan’s first forensic-science television series, introducing investigative science to mainstream audiences.
- Leadership roles in broadcast media (including presidency at a news channel) and an academic link as a PhD candidate.
- National recognition and awards for service-driven media work.
Role & Responsibilities
Membership is selective: IATAS members are vetted by a nominating committee and come from more than 60 countries; members play an active role in judging and programming related to the International Emmy Awards. This is not a ceremonial title but a functional role in the global TV ecosystem.
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What to expect next
In the coming months Dr Umair is likely to be involved in Academy screenings, judging panels and outreach initiatives. His role can open doors for Pakistani submissions to global festivals and create formal channels for collaboration and talent exchange. Media institutions, producers and festival organisers should watch for announcements and potential calls for submissions or partnerships.
Final Thoughts
Dr Umair induction into the International Academy is a concrete sign that Pakistani television practitioners are being noticed at institutional levels that influence global awards, markets and creative exchange. For Pakistani creators, this is both an honour and an opportunity — a moment to leverage membership into stronger representation, co-production pipelines and more equitable evaluation on global platforms such as the Emmy Awards.
