BEIRUT: Mr Najam Sethi, editor-in- chief of the Friday Times and Daily Times in Pakistan, has been awarded the 2009 Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual press freedom prize of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Mr Sethi, whose newspapers advocate liberal and secular ideas in a country too often torn by religious extremism, was honoured for his outstanding defence and promotion of press freedom under difficult circumstances and constant personal danger.

He said: 'Extremists have always used coercion to silence their critics and that is exactly what is happening now.'

Due to the editorial policies of the newspapers, which condemn autocracy and religious fundamentalism, Mr Sethi has been at odds with both the Pakistani authorities and the country's religious groups for many years. He has been threatened with death by the Taleban and other radical Muslim groups, and has been jailed and beaten for offending the government.

'All journalists are aware of the dangers of inciting extremists who violently oppose reporting that is contrary to their view of the world,' said the Board of the Paris-based WAN, meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, to decide the award.

'Mr Sethi has chosen, in a region fraught with such dangers, to brave them. His commitment to providing truthful and independent coverage in this region is in the best traditions of journalism,' the association said.

The award will be presented at the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum in India in March.