Islamabad , (Parliament Times) : The President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, along with a delegation of senior journalists from the National Press Club Islamabad, recently visited the Pro-Active Gym and Martial Arts Academy and Ghulab Shah Martial Arts Academy located in Rawalpindi’s Khanna Pul area. The PFUJ and National Press Club have expressed their full support for the promotion of martial arts and healthy activities in the country.
During the visit, the journalists commended the achievements of professional boxer Habib-ur-Rehman, who secured a gold medal in Azerbaijan, and Martial Arts Player Sardar Zohaib, who also recently earned a gold medal in Indonesia. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that young Pakistanis have the opportunity to participate in international competitions.
Upon their arrival at the Pro-Active Gym, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, along with senior journalists Syed Khalid Gardezi, Amer Butt, Mazaffar Bukhari, Naveed Chaudhry, and Khawaja Kashif Meer, received a warm welcome. The President was briefed on the various martial arts classes, the talent exhibited by young athletes, and the lack of support from government institutions, as well as the challenges faced by distinguished boxers in the country.
Academy owners Sardar Zohaib and Tahir Afzal Bhatti highlighted the opportunity provided to renowned boxer Habib-ur-Rehman from Dera Ismail Khan, who has been engaged as a trainer at their academy. They pointed out that there are numerous young talents like Habib-ur-Rehman who bring pride to Pakistan on both national and international stages, yet government institutions often neglect to support their employment. Sardar Zohaib Khan emphasized that martial arts academies like theirs strive to offer job opportunities and support such gifted individuals. He called upon influential journalistic organizations like the PFUJ and National Press Club to rally behind sports initiatives and showcase Pakistan’s talent.
In response, PFUJ President Afzal Butt affirmed that journalists nationwide back sports and healthy pursuits. He pledged complete cooperation with the academies, emphasizing that Pakistan’s talent will not be squandered; rather, they will collaborate to harness this talent for the nation’s benefit.