ISLAMABAD: The government will confer posthumous Sitara-i-Imtiaz on veteran journalist Mohammad Ziauddin for his contribution in the field of journalism.

Besides, a chair will also be set up at the Centre of Excellence for Journalism in IBA Karachi in his honour, said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

He was speaking at a condolence reference organised by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on the first death anniversary of the veteran journalist on Tuesday.

Calling Mr Ziauddin an institution in the field of journalism, Mr Iqbal said: “There is a dire need of hour to produce more journalists like late Ziauddin to continue the legacy.”

“Ziauddin sahib was a thorough professional and such journalists are born in decades. Young journalists should follow in his footsteps to progress professionally,” he added.

The minister also announced the establishment of a development communication department in the name of late Ziauddin at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) besides launching courses for journalists.

“We would like to encourage young journalists to excel in economic reporting and understand its dynamics,” he said.

Mr Ziauddin passed away after a prolonged illness on Nov 29, 2021, at the age of 83 in Islamabad.

During his illustrious career spanning over 60 years, he worked extensively for almost all major English language newspapers and remained resident editor of Dawn Islamabad and editor of The News and Express Tribune.

The event was participated by senior journalists, anchorpersons and office-bearers of National Press Club (NPC) and PFUJ.

Renowned journalist Hamid Mir said he was one of the journalists who stood against the country’s dictators and faced the worst time of Gen Zia and Gen Musharraf.

“Till his death, Zia sahib tried to unite the journalist community which was divided by various dictators and today his unfinished agenda to unite the journalist community must be completed for the rule of law and for democracy in the country,” he said.

Matiullah Jan suggested that the ministry and the PFUJ compile the work of Ziauddin for benefit of young journalists.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt said Mr Ziauddin was not only among the last professionals to hold the institution of the editor but also a good teacher and mentor.

Akbar Mahmood, son of the late journalist, said the key character of his father was that his actions and words were not contradictory. He said those who were praising the veteran journalist should follow in his footsteps.

Meanwhile, Dawn Islamabad Employees UnionPresident Mubarak Zeb Khan paid tributes to the veteran journalist.

He said Mr Ziauddin was one of the main supporters of resistance journalism and strictly adhered to the ethics of journalism.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2022