Ever wondered who actually pulls the PR strings behind the scenes when Pakistan’s politicians hit the headlines? Meet Badar Shahbaz Warraich, a quiet but powerful figure shaping how the public sees the ruling class. As media cycles grow faster, his role as a political media coordinator becomes more important than ever.
Early Footsteps & Rise In The Party
Badar Shahbaz belongs to the media wing of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Over the years, he built his way up as a trusted media operator for the party, known for being sharp, aware, and connected.
In 2022, when Hamza Shahbaz Sharif was Chief Minister of Punjab, Badar was named as his “Social Media Focal Person.” His job: help restructure the CM’s social media outreach, from reshaping public communication to addressing misinformation and making the CM’s office more accessible to the public online.
That experience paved the way for his major breakthrough. On April 18, 2024, the Cabinet Division officially appointed him as Media Coordinator to Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Currently, he serves as Central Assistant Secretary for Information of PML-N while acting as the PM’s media coordinator, bridging party-level communication and the highest level of government media operations.
What Does His Work Look Like?
Badar Shahbaz’s job is far from glamorous. It’s tactical. It’s strategic. And most importantly, it’s what you don’t see.
Narrative Building For PML-N & Government
As a key member of PML-N’s media team, he helps shape how the party and now the federal government presents itself to the public. Through press releases, statements, and managed social-media outreach, he crafts a consistent narrative.
Social Media Management & Digital Outreach
In 2022, when assigned to CM Punjab’s social media desk, Badar committed to making public communication more contemporary. He emphasized using digital media to let the public’s voice be heard, promised to restructure operations, and aimed to combat misinformation online.
Crisis Response & Propaganda Management
In tough times, when controversies, political fallout, or misinformation arise, his role becomes crucial. He has been credited for “effectively highlighting the national stance” during critical moments, countering opposing propaganda, and ensuring accurate information circulates.
Party Info Strategy & Internal Communications
As Assistant Secretary for Information of PML-N, he remains at the heart of the party’s media strategy, both online and offline. From coordinating media teams to aligning party statements, his influence spans organizational communications.
A Day In The Life Of A Media Coordinator
Imagine waking up to a flood of social-media comments. By midday, a sudden political development needs quick statements. Evening rolls in, and you review how today’s press release landed. That’s life as a political media operator like Badar Shahbaz.
Core Skills & Responsibilities
Being a political media coordinator requires a mix of sharp thinking, creativity, and precision. Here are the essential skills Badar Shahbaz relies on to stay ahead in the fast-paced political media world:
- Strong writing and briefing skills; press releases, talking points, official statements.
- Media monitoring & social listening: keeping eyes on mainstream media, social media, and public sentiment.
- Crisis communication readiness: countering misinformation fast, drafting corrections, controlling narrative leaks.
- Coordination between policy-makers, media houses, party stakeholders, and public outreach teams.
Common Tools & Practices
From social media dashboards to journalist contact lists, Badar Shahbaz uses a variety of tools every day. These help him stay organized, manage outreach, and respond instantly when needed:
- Use of social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, etc.) to broadcast official messaging and government updates.
- Media databases and contact lists for journalists, broadcasters, and press-release distribution.
- Internal communication protocols and briefing systems, ensuring that statements are reviewed, aligned, and consistent before release.
- Real-time monitoring dashboards or social-listening tools to gauge public reactions and sentiment, enabling quick response.
Crisis Drills & Contingency Planning
In politics, emergencies don’t wait. Badar Shahbaz ensures that his team is always prepared for unexpected events and rapid-response situations:
- A crisis-communication plan with defined roles, media lists, and escalation procedures.
- Clear internal media policy to avoid leaks or conflicting statements.
- Rapid-response frameworks: immediate statements, rebuttals, and corrections when misinformation or political attacks surface.
Why Badar Shahbaz Matters In Today’s Political PR Game
Pakistan’s political world isn’t just about rallies, speeches, or newspapers. It’s increasingly digital, fast-paced, charged with public opinion, and vulnerable to misinformation. In this context:
- Badar represents a bridge between traditional politics and modern political communications, merging PML-N’s old-school media strategies with digital-era PR.
- His role reflects how parties now rely on strategic media management, online image building, and rapid crisis control rather than just conventional press coverage.
- When leaders address big issues, like promoting EV adoption or economic plans, it’s media coordinators who shape how these messages reach the masses.
- In times of political tension, social unrest, or international scrutiny, a middleman like Badar becomes vital to preserving the government’s image.
Final Takeaway
Badar Shahbaz is not a household name like party leaders, but in many ways, he might be more influential. As a modern political media operator, he shapes narratives, controls information flow, and protects the party and state image in a media-hungry world.
If you’re following Pakistani politics, keep an eye not just on who’s speaking, but who’s managing the microphones behind the scenes.
