Ban on events is a restriction on Journalists’ rights: Rana Kausar, condolence reference held on the death anniversary of Masood Malik
Islamabad
A condolence reference was organized on the fifth death anniversary of senior journalist Masood Malik under the auspices of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Dastoor) and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (Dastoor). A large number of journalists participated in the event.
The condolence reference was attended by the late journalist’s brother, Mahfooz Malik, his sons Muhammad Mueed Malik and Momin Masood Malik, his brother-in-law Mateen Ahmed, senior journalist Hafiz Tahir Khalil, President of PFUJ Workers Dr. Saadia Kamal, former President of the National Press Club Shakeel Qarar, President of the Parliamentary Reporters Association Usman Khan, President of Ribja Murtaza Malik, along with PFUJ Workers leaders Mazhar Iqbal, Tariq Sameer, Tariq Aziz, Tariq Chaudhry, Syed Farzand Ali, Zahir Khan, Chaudhry Waheed Rasool, Khawar Nawaz Raja, Syed Qaiser Abbas Shah, Mirza Abdul Qudoos, Raja Mehtab Ashraf, Arif Malik, Manzoor Salahriya, Owais Latif, Usman Jabbar Khan, and several other notable journalists.
Speaking at the event, PFUJ (Dastoor) President Haji Nawaz Raza stated that this reference was supposed to be held at the National Press Club; however, the club administration did not grant permission, which he deemed an insult to the late senior journalist. He further said that by imposing bans on journalists’ events, the National Press Club administration is causing distress to the souls of deceased senior journalists.
On this occasion, senior journalist Hafiz Tahir Khalil remarked that despite having high-level connections, Masood Malik never used them for personal gain. His entire journalistic career remained unblemished and courageous. RIUJ (Dastoor) President Rana Kausar Ali stated that journalists like the late Masood Malik serve as an example for today’s journalists, and his journalism should be considered a guiding light.
He criticized the National Press Club’s restrictions on journalists’ events, calling them an infringement on press freedom.
The event was moderated by Raheel Nawaz Swati. Participants paid great tribute to the journalistic services of the late Masood Malik and expressed their commitment to continuing his mission.
