By Shakeel Ahmed
PFUJ stood firm In every era of suppression – Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider
PFUJ Honored for 75 Years of Unwavering Struggle for Press Freedom at Punjab House Islamabad
Islamabad (Press Release) – A dignified ceremony was held at Punjab House, Islamabad, to mark the 75-year-long struggle of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) for press freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Governor Punjab, Sardar Salim Haider Khan, was the chief guest on the occasion. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the PFUJ leadership on reaching this historic milestone and paid tribute to the organization’s founding leaders, including Abrar Ahmed, Abdul Shakoor, Abdul Hameed Chapra, Minhaj Barna, and Nisar Usmani. He commended their enduring contributions to press freedom and democratic values in Pakistan.
In his address, Governor Salim Haider Khan stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always championed the rights of journalists and stood firmly with media workers in difficult times.
Speaking at the event, PFUJ Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed reaffirmed the union’s commitment to constitutional and democratic principles. He said that PFUJ has always pursued its mission within the bounds of the Constitution and would continue to raise its voice for the protection of journalists’ rights, their welfare, and freedom of expression. He appreciated the Pakistan Peoples Party’s continued support for press freedom and the welfare of media professionals.
To commemorate the occasion, a special 75th anniversary cake was also cut as a symbolic tribute to PFUJ’s journey.
The event was attended by PFUJ Vice President Farhat Fatima, PFUJ Member Federal Executive Council Ishaq Chaudhry, PFUJ Member Federal Executive Council Adil Shah, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Usmani, Vice President Faisal Awan, Information Secretary (RIUJ) Mudassar Ilyas Kayani, Joint Secretary Abdul Waheed Janjua, Khalid Malik, Aamir Jutt, Yasir Zubairi, Mahmood Chaudhary, Chaudhry Fayaz, Hameed Janjua, Masood Chaudhary, and several other senior journalists, media professionals, and office-bearers of civil society organizations.
Speakers at the ceremony viewed the event as both a recognition of past sacrifices and a renewed commitment to defending press freedom and the fundamental rights of journalists in Pakistan.
