Islamabad,(Parliament Times): The Annual General Body Meeting of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Bureau Journalists Association (RIBJA) was held at the National Press Club, Islamabad. The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, led by General Secretary Bashir Usmani, followed by a Naat presented by Raza Kazmi. Haji Aziz presented RIBJA’s annual finance report, while General Secretary Syed Asif Ali Hamdani served as stage secretary.
The event was attended by a large number of senior journalists, office-bearers of various press organizations, including the President and Secretary of the National Press Club, President of PFUJ Afzal Butt, and President of RIUJ Asif Bashir Chaudhry.
In his presidential address, RIBJA President Sardar Shahid Hameed highlighted the association’s two-year performance. The General Body approved a two-year tenure for RIBJA’s executive committee. Sardar Shahid emphasized that RIBJA has made every possible effort to address members’ PID (Press Information Department) issues and ensure timely recoveries. He expressed gratitude to PIO Mubashir Hasan, Assistant Director Tausif Janjua, and their team for their assistance in resolving PID-related matters.
Founder RIBJA Qurban Satti mourned the passing of colleague Naeem Qureshi, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to workers’ rights and noting his absence at protests and demonstrations is deeply felt. He also highlighted issues such as health cards, plots, and other member concerns.
Speaking at the event, PFUJ President Afzal Butt remarked that print media is struggling and emphasized the need for training in digital and AI technologies. He acknowledged RIBJA’s exemplary role in media protests and advocacy for press freedom, praising members for standing alongside the press community.
National Press Club President Azhar Jatoi congratulated RIBJA on its successful General Body meeting and pledged full support. RIUJ President Asif Bashir Chaudhry highlighted the challenges facing journalists and urged unity to protect freedom of expression. Former NPC President Anwar Raza called RIBJA one of the most active organizations in the twin cities and emphasized organized efforts to safeguard journalists’ rights.
RIBJA’s finance report, presented by Haji Aziz, noted Rs 7,500 collected in card fees against Rs 48,250 in expenses. For the first time in 17 years, RIBJA will be brought under a formal legal framework with a bank account to ensure members’ welfare. Efforts to resolve PID issues included meetings with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, former Secretary Information Shaheera Shahid, and Mubashir Hasan, which resulted in significant improvements.
The association organized a grand reunion in April 2024 at the National Press Club to honor members, provided financial assistance during Ramadan, and distributed ration and school supplies discreetly to members’ families. A memorandum of understanding was signed with Rehman Foundation to facilitate timely medical treatment for members requiring dialysis.
The event was attended by a large gathering of journalists, including senior leaders of NPC, PFUJ, RIUJ, APP Union, KJF, and other press organizations, along with members of RIBJA and their families.