Truth. Transformation. Tolerance.
I'm Raza Dotani. I build platforms for people and stories that don't usually get one.
The Origin Story
When Operation Zarb-e-Azb launched in June 2014, I was studying for my MSc in Journalism & Mass Communication at NUML Islamabad. I made the decision to deploy to Bannu — where tens of thousands of displaced families were arriving from North Waziristan — instead of sitting my final examinations.
I completed the coursework, but I never received the degree. That decision defined my career: choose the story over the credential. Choose human impact over institutional validation. This field reporting directly led to my selection for the U.S. Department of State's IVLP in 2015.
Values Foundation
1. Truth
Truth as a discipline: verifiable facts, honest communication, no fabricated data, no inflated claims. Applied equally in editorial work and digital communications.
2. Transformation
Specific, measurable change at human scale: a journalist who can protect their sources, an organisation whose website actually generates leads. One platform, one journalist, one website at a time.
3. Tolerance
Progressive humanism rooted in lived experience: anti-extremism, feminist, pro-democracy, pro-secularism, pro-digital rights.
Career Highlights
- Founder & Creative Lead, The Dotani DigitalDec 2021 - Present
Solo freelance consultancy offering web design, brand strategy, editorial systems, and digital communications support. Delivered 50+ websites.
- Founder & Managing Editor, Aware PakistanMar 2020 - Present
Non-commercial publishing platform for social issues. Built complete editorial governance framework from scratch. 150+ writers network.
- Digital Communications Manager, Glowmax InternationalSep 2018 - Sep 2021
Led digital communications strategy for provincial government initiatives. Improved ROI by 1.8x across 20+ digital campaigns.
- Founder & Project Lead, Tribal PostMar 2013 - Mar 2019
Independent digital news outlet covering the Pak-Afghan border. Trained 30+ young journalists from tribal communities.
- Broadcaster, Host & Producer, Suno FM 89.4Jun 2010 - Jul 2017
Produced and hosted 500+ programmes and conducted 100-150 on-air interviews across current affairs, social issues, and culture.
Working Principles
- Build systems, not dependencies. Clients should be able to run their own infrastructure after handoff.
- Price for sustainability, not maximisation. Charge enough to keep the practice independent and uncompromised.
- Share what's known. Free training, open resources, mentorship. Knowledge held privately helps no one.