Hattian, Bala (Parliament Times) : In a significant development aimed at bolstering journalism and media in the region, Director of Information and Secretary of the Press Foundation Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Shahid Hussain Khokhar, emphasized the pivotal role played by the District Press Club Hattian Bala, situated at the crossroads to Occupied Kashmir. Khokhar articulated that without vibrant media, issues cannot be resolved or identified effectively.
During a meeting convened at the District Press Club, Director of Information Raja Shahid Hussain Khokhar, accompanied by District Information Officer Sohail Mughal, engaged with key figures from the local media fraternity. Present at the meeting were Ajaz Ahmad Meer, President of the District Press Club Hattian Bala, Mubarak Hussain Awan, Secretary General, Muhammad Arif Kashmiri, a District Member of the Board of Governors of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation, and notable figures like Muhammad Aslam Mirza, Muhammad Zahid Awan, Zahid Javed Abbasi, and Amjad Awan.
Khokhar underscored the indispensable role of journalism as a cornerstone of the state, asserting that it possesses the capability to tackle societal issues head-on. While acknowledging the dearth of facilities for developing the capacity of the information department in the region, he revealed plans to organize workshops adhering to contemporary journalistic standards and requirements. The implementation of this ambitious project will be facilitated by the government of Azad Kashmir.
To accommodate journalists from across Azad Kashmir, the government intends to establish journalist colonies. Addressing the housing predicament faced by the District Press Club Hattian Bala, currently operating from a rented space, Khokhar pledged to make earnest efforts to address the issues related to rent, computer lab facilities, DSL internet installation, and other necessities. He further urged journalists to consider producing their publications from this venue, thus fostering collaboration and mutual support among journalist organizations in the Jhelum Valley.
An additional highlight of the visit was Director Raja Shahid Hussain Khokhar’s acceptance of an invitation to inaugurate the Digital News Studio at the Press Club. Expressing his honor at the prospect, he reiterated his commitment to resolving the challenges encountered by journalists in the region.
In conclusion, this visit by Director Raja Shahid Hussain Khokhar marks a significant step toward fortifying the District Press Club Hattian Bala and uplifting the journalism landscape in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With renewed support and vision, the club is poised to play an even more dynamic role in shaping the region’s media landscape.