Karachi: The Afzal Butt faction of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists opened its Biennial Delegates Meeting with fanfare and a heavy turnout on Friday.

Around 300 journalists have arrived in Karachi from across the country to elect a new body of the PFUJ group.

In his welcome address, Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) Ashraf Khan said his organisation “welcomes all delegates with open arms. We are aware of the trials facing journalism in the country”.

“But let us not forget that democratic values within our unions must prevail come what way.”

He made a special mention of S. M. Irfan, who died recently after having remained unpaid for the last six months.

Ahmed Khan Malik, the general secretary, threw light on challenges being faced by journalists. He recited verses of Faiz Ahmed Faiz to vent his anguish.

“Our fraternity is facing multiple crises. We must not forget that united we stand and divided we fall. We urge media owners to clear their workers’ dues at the earliest,” he said.

Afzal Butt said journalists had always stood up to authoritarianism and resisted attempts to curb freedom of speech. “Leadership is not a bed of roses. We assumed leadership in trying times, but tried to do justice to our cause. We know how to fight for our rights when they are curbed,” he said.

Delegates will propose constitutional amendments and discuss press-related issues on Saturday, the BDM’s last day.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2019