PFUJ in collaboration with the IFJ has launched its five-year strategy for 2025–26
The PFUJ unveiled the strategy at a ceremony held at a local hotel, developed in consultation with its members and the IFJ.
Lahore: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has launched its five-year strategy for 2025–26. Senior journalists, legal experts, and political figures praised the plan as outstanding, emphasizing that collective efforts will be made to implement it. They noted that a free press leads to stronger institutions and a more stable country.
The PFUJ unveiled the strategy at a ceremony held at a local hotel, developed in consultation with its members and the IFJ. Prominent attendees included senior journalists Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, Irshad Arif, Kazim Khan, Salman Ghani, and Naveed Chaudhry; senior lawyers Sardar Latif Khosa, Azhar Siddique, and Babar Murtaza; international trade union expert Dr. Javed Gill; Punjab Assembly member Rana Shehbaz Ahmed; political figure Syed Muzammil Hashmi; IFJ coordinator Ghulam Mustafa; and coordinator Ihtisham-ul-Haq.
PFUJ President Rana Muhammad Azeem and Secretary General Shakeel Ahmed outlined the key features of the five-year plan, while Dr. Javed Gill, Ghulam Mustafa, and Ihtisham-ul-Haq provided further details.
Speakers at the event stressed that press freedom is essential for strong institutions and a prosperous nation, and called for ensuring media independence in the country. Senior journalist and analyst, and Chief Editor of Daily Pakistan, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, described the strategy as commendable, highlighting its focus on media freedom and strengthening democracy. He added that the demand for press freedom has been ongoing for the past fifty years and emphasized the need for financial security for journalists.
Irshad Arif, Group Editor of 92 News, said that Quaid-e-Azam had stated that journalism and democracy go hand in hand, adding that the PFUJ’s strategy reinforces democratic freedoms and independent journalism. He remarked that the state of democracy in the country is as inconsistent as electricity supply, and that nations with intellectual freedom tend to be more developed and prosperous.
Kazim Khan, President of CPNE, appreciated that the plan was formulated by journalists themselves, noting that journalism comes at a cost that must be borne. He praised the joint efforts of IFJ and PFUJ and expressed full support.
Salman Ghani, Group Editor of Dunya News, congratulated the PFUJ leadership on launching the strategy, stating that it focuses on strengthening institutions and improving relationships. Naveed Chaudhry of City News described the plan as comprehensive and said it would lead to meaningful improvements. He urged the government to treat everyone equally, which would help resolve issues and promote fairness.
PFUJ President Rana Muhammad Azeem emphasized that the organization is independent and not affiliated with any political party. He reiterated that a free press would strengthen both institutions and Pakistan as a whole.
Former Punjab Governor and senior lawyer Latif Khosa stated that nations do not progress under restrictions and called for unity within the Muslim world. He also offered free legal assistance to any journalist facing legal cases.
Punjab Assembly member Rana Shehbaz Ahmed praised the five-year plan, while senior lawyer Azhar Siddique expressed support for truth-tellers and pledged continued solidarity with journalists. Lahore High Court Bar President Babar Murtaza noted the close relationship between journalism and law, affirming their joint role in national development.
Syed Muzammil Hashmi of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League said that journalists represent society and pledged support in enhancing their professional skills. He added that journalists are being introduced to modern technologies and that workshops will be held in various cities.
PFUJ leadership assured the IFJ and its members that the five-year strategy would be implemented in letter and spirit to safeguard journalists’ rights and ensure press freedom.
