By Uzma Hashmi
KARACHI: The two-day convention of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Workers) and the All-Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC) has concluded with strong resolutions condemning forced layoffs, delayed salaries, and infringements on freedom of expression affecting media workers. Participants, gathered under the auspices of the Karachi Union of Journalists, expressed their unwavering commitment to defending journalists’ rights at every platform available.
The convention, presided over by Dr. Saadia Kamal, the central vice president, began with Secretary General Shahid Ali outlining the agenda. Union presidents, general secretaries, and members of the Federal Executive Council from across the nation took part in the proceedings, where secretaries from various unions presented their performance reports and discussed the challenges facing media workers today.
Adding to the discussions, Sindh Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Ali Shah reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s longstanding commitment to press freedom. He stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued specific directives aimed at the welfare of journalists. “The Sindh government will implement proposals designed to protect media workers’ rights,” he assured.
Prominent journalists, including Mazhar Abbas, Shakil Yameen Kanga, Nasir Sheikh, and APNEC Secretary General Dara Zafer, also spoke at the convention, addressing the critical issues at hand. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of former PFUJ Secretary General Ameen Yousuf, along with notable figures such as Syed Sabir Ali, Qaiser Mahmood, Anis Haider, Aslam Khan, Haji Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Ameen Baloch, Irshad M. Khan, and Fazal Razaq Baboo.
