IFJ continues to serve as a strong global voice for professional journalists

The monthly review meeting of the Central Working Committee of the All Pakistan Journalists Association (APJA) was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Zaheer Alam.

Secretary General Zameer Asadi joined the meeting via video link from China while Vice President Tanveer Baloch, Central President Allah Dad Siddiqui, National Coordinator and Spokesperson Masood Chaudhry and Information Secretary Adeel Shahid were present in person. Arif Janjua and other officials participated through online video link.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of the progress made on previously assigned tasks. The overall performance of the organisation was found to be satisfactory. Detailed consultations were held on the assignment of new responsibilities for the coming period.

In his speech, President Alam stressed that APJA remains actively involved in protecting the rights of journalists, promoting professional training and ensuring their welfare. He added that the association's mission will continue to be more effectively fulfilled through cooperation with international institutions.

Details were presented on the recently held three-day capacity building workshop organized by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Islamabad. Participants appreciated the efforts the IFJ is making for the benefit of journalists worldwide despite limited resources. They noted that the IFJ continues to serve as a strong global voice for the professional development, protection and freedom of expression of journalists.

The seminar was organized in cooperation with the German organization Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and was attended by the APJA President Mr. Zaheer Alam as an honorary guest. Prominent participants included Rana Azeem, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), General Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, senior journalist Farhat Fatima, Federal Executive Council member Sardar Tayyab, RIUJ President Tariq Usmani, RIUJ General Secretary Rizwan Ghazwi and journalists Aamir Niazi, Mudasar Ilyas Kayani, Yasir Zuberi and others.

Also present were IFJ Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Ms Jane Worthington, FES Programme Advisor Abdullah Dayo, PFUJ Coordinator Ghulam Mustafa Baloch, Senior Manager Hassan Abbas and veteran journalist Shehzada Zulfiqar.

The meeting included an in-depth discussion on the implementation of the IFJ's published charter and priority tasks. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to work with the IFJ and other journalism organisations on the development, freedom of expression and professional growth of journalists.

The session further appreciated the patriotic and effective role played by Pakistani journalists during the recent Pakistan-India tensions. Reactions from national and international media circles were reviewed in the context of the recent conferment of the title of Field Marshal on the Pakistan Army Commander.

At the end of the meeting, it was confirmed that journalists will continue to be at the forefront of defending national sovereignty and dignity. The ongoing registration process of the association was also reviewed and it was decided to further accelerate it.

Masood Chaudhry, Spokesperson and national coordinator

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