PESHAWAR
The Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) in collaboration with Peshawar Press Club (PPC) organized a ceremony to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Saturday.
The ceremony was held at PPC which highlighted the immense contributions of journalists over the last 75 years.
In his opening address, the president of KhUJ and senior journalist Kashifuddin Syed noted the significance of the day, marking the 75th anniversary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ founding.
He emphasized that this milestone was made possible due to the eternal sacrifices of journalists who have continuously fought for the freedom of expression and the press. “Today, we celebrate not only the achievements of the PFUJ but also the sacrifices made by journalists who have fought tirelessly for the truth,” Syed said.
“We stand united in serving our fellow journalists and upholding the principles of truth and justice,” he said, adding that journalists in both Pakistan and KP have raised their voices against every dictator and oppressor, facing numerous restrictions in the current democratic era.
He also condemned the ongoing victimization of journalists, including arbitrary dismissals and salary suspensions, for reporting the truth.
Central leader of the Federal Union of Journalists, Shamim Shahid, also addressed the gathering. He reflected on the long history of sacrifices by journalists since the creation of Pakistan.
He stated that despite numerous attempts by various forces to suppress the voice of the press, journalists had remained steadfast and successful in their journey. Shahid praised the courage of journalists during the darkest periods of martial law, where many were subjected to brutal treatment, including flogging and imprisonment, but never compromised on their commitment to the truth.
PPC President M. Riaz congratulated the journalist community on the Platinum Jubilee of the PFUJ, reaffirming the commitment of journalists to continue their work without fear or compromise.
He recalled a suicide attack on the press club, carried out by unseen forces, which tragically led to the martyrdom of one of their colleagues. He reiterated his pledge to remain steadfast in defending press freedom.
In his remarks, Awami National Party (ANP) provincial leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain paid tribute to the sacrifices made by journalists for the freedom of the press. He emphasized that journalism is the voice of the heart, one that many dictators have tried to silence but have failed to do so. Hussain expressed concern over the punishment journalists face for speaking the truth and condemned any attempts to undo the 18th Amendment, vowing to stand against such efforts.
Tariq Khan of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by journalists since Pakistan’s formation, describing the situation as an undeclared martial law where the media remains under constant restriction.
Renowned bureaucrat and columnist Syed Akhtar Ali Shah recalled the severe restrictions on journalism during martial law in 1977, praising the resilience of journalists who united in defense of press freedom.
Abdul Jalil Jan of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) reminded the audience of the key role journalists have played in strengthening democracy in Pakistan, urging politicians to learn from their sacrifices. Newly elected minority MPA in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babaji Gurpal Singh, spoke about the role of journalists in fostering religious harmony in the country, emphasizing their efforts in breaking down barriers and building unity.
Several other notable figures also addressed the gathering, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Ayub Shah, political activist Anwar Zeb, journalist Arif Yousafzai, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, journalist Mahmood Jan Babar, and Markazi Pakistan Muslim League provincial president Yawar Aftab.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge by all participants to continue advocating for press freedom and to honor the sacrifices of journalists who have given their lives in the pursuit of truth.
