Proposal to name university after Arshad Sharif draws criticism from journalist body
By Mehrab Shah Afridi
PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Workers’ wing has strongly criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s decision to name a new university after the late journalist Arshad Sharif, describing the move as “insensitive” to the many journalists who have lost their lives to terrorism in the province. PFUJ Workers’ President Shamim Shahid stressed that since 2002, over 60 journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been killed while performing their duties, including some of the most skilled and impartial reporters, several of whom were posthumously awarded presidential honors for their service and courage. He argued that naming the university after Sharif, rather than recognizing local journalist martyrs, undermines the sacrifices of those who lost their lives covering conflict and threats within the province.
Shahid noted that the journalist community, particularly in Peshawar, had strongly condemned Sharif’s killing and demanded thorough and impartial investigations, which were only partially addressed by a foreign court. In light of this, he appealed to Chief Minister Mahmood (Suheil) Afridi to reconsider the proposal. Shahid suggested that the university should instead commemorate journalists from the Khyber district who were killed in the line of duty, including Nasrullah Afridi, Jibran Khalil, and Mahboob Afridi, as a way to honor local sacrifices and maintain the morale and dignity of the provincial media community.
The PFUJ statement highlights the sensitivities within Pakistan’s journalist community regarding recognition and memorialization, especially for those who have faced mortal risks while reporting in volatile regions. It reflects an ongoing demand for meaningful acknowledgment of local media personnel who gave their lives in service of truth and public awareness, ensuring that their contributions are respected and remembered.
