PESHAWAR
Senior female journalist Anila Shaheen passed away on Thursday after suffering a brain haemorrhage, her family said. She was laid to rest in her native village of Azizabad in Chamkani Peshawar.
A large number of journalists, political leaders and residents attended the funeral.
The cabinet and governing body of the Peshawar Press Club (PPC) expressed deep sorrow over her death and termed it a great loss to the media community.
President PPC Muhammad Riaz Khan and General Secretary Alamgir Khan said Ms Shaheen would always be remembered as a fearless and principled journalist.
They said her services for the rights of journalists and her commitment to professional values would be remembered for years to come.
She was not only a field reporter, Ms Shaheen remained an active and influential member of the province’s media bodies. She was associated with the PPC and the Khyber Union of Journalists, where she played an active role in journalists’ affairs.
She regularly took part in the annual politics of the PPC and had held several key positions within the organisation over the years.
Last year, she contested the club’s annual elections as a candidate for president. Although she did not win, she secured a significant number of votes, reflecting her strong support among members.
Ms Shaheen was particularly vocal about the welfare of women journalists. She consistently raised their concerns at different forums and spoke boldly about the challenges they faced in the profession.
During the period of Taliban militancy in Swat, she questioned the ban on girls’ education in a live interview with the then Taliban spokesperson, drawing praise for her courage.
In separate statements, leaders of the Awami National Party, including Central President Aimal Wali Khan and Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, expressed grief over her passing.
They said she was a bold and responsible journalist who upheld truth and integrity even in challenging circumstances.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, members of the provincial cabinet, lawmakers and representatives of civil society also offered condolences, calling her death a major loss for journalism in the province.
Colleagues said Anila Shaheen remained committed to honest and responsible journalism throughout her career and never allowed pressure or expediency to influence her professional duties.
