Saudi Arabia,(Parliament Times): A joint seminar was organized by the Pakistan Overseas Media Forum and the United Journalists Forum on May 3, 2026, at a local hotel in Jeddah to mark World Press Freedom Day. A large number of Pakistani journalists attended the event, where speakers highlighted the importance of responsible journalism, truth and professional ethics. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, while tribute was paid to journalists who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth. Speakers described the sacrifices of martyred journalists as a guiding light for the media community. Special prayers were also offered for the elevation of the ranks of departed journalists. Chairman of the United Journalists Forum, Jahangir Khan, attended the seminar as the chief guest, while Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Overseas Media Forum, Syed Musarrat Khalil, presided over the event. Guests of honor included Chaudhry Muhammad Riaz Ghumman, Shoaib Altaf Raja and Ehsan Mughal. Other participants included Adeel Nazir, Imdad Hussain Lak, Ahmad Fawad Swati, Yahya Ashfaq, Mirza Mudassar Ahmad, Umar Farooq and Fahad along with several members of the Pakistani media community.
Addressing the seminar, Chaudhry Muhammad Riaz Ghumman emphasized the need for effective measures for the protection and welfare of journalists so they could perform their duties in a free and secure environment. Adeel Nazir stated that spreading unverified news was against journalistic ethics and urged media professionals to ensure responsible reporting. Shoaib Altaf Raja stressed the importance of professional skills, accuracy and maintaining high journalistic standards. Chief guest Jahangir Khan said that free journalism served as the voice of society and played a key role in highlighting public issues and strengthening freedom of expression. In his presidential address, Syed Musarrat Khalil thanked the participants and reaffirmed that journalists would continue to uphold truth, honesty and community interests while fulfilling their professional responsibilities. At the conclusion of the seminar, special prayers were offered for the peace, stability and prosperity of Pakistan.