HONG KONG: Star's news special FocusAsia is going from strength to strength. A few days ago, a reporter for the show Joe Kainz won first prize in the English television category of The Eighth Human Rights Press Awards . His report tackled tribal law courts in Pakistan.
 
 
Jirga Justice, is about the abuse of power and shocking verdicts in "jirga", the tribal courts that often take the place of regular courts in many regions of Pakistan.

In India, FocusAsia airs on Star World every Sunday at 5:30pm. Commenting on the award, Star's VP network news and current affairs Jim Laurie said:"This award is a testament to the high journalistic standards across Star's news programmes. We are proud to be able to produce committed, quality television reporting of particular relevance to Asians."

An official release informs that FocusAsia explores a wide range of social, economic and political issues across the Asia region and provides an in-depth and investigative look at the issues shaping Asia today. Since its launch in January 2000 FocusAsia's team has traveled to 18 countries, filed more than 180 reports.

The Human Rights Press Awards are co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, Amnesty International (Hong Kong) and the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club. They recognise work that increases respect for the basic rights of all people, heightens general awareness of human rights issues and focuses attention upon them.