ISAMABAD: Journalists, media workers, social activists and politicians lauded late Pervez Shaukat’s struggle, terming him a strong voice for the rights of journalists and workers.

Two references were held on Wednesday to pay homage to Pervez Shaukat, who had been a trade unionist, president PFUJ (Workers) and former chairman APNEC.

Speakers remembered the role of Pervez Shaukat in finalisation of Wage Board awards along with approval and implementation of laws for the protection of journalists and other such measures for the benefits of the journalists. He was the winner of presidential award and a life member of National Press Club (NPC).

The PFUJ (Workers) held a reference which was attended by caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, Secretary Information Shaheera Shahid, PPP leader Senator Farhatullah Babar and former federal minister Jay Salik. The office-bearers of the PFUJ-W also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Solangi said Pervez Shaukat lived an exemplary life and always spoke about the workers’ rights and continued his mission until his death.

The information secretary said whenever the deceased came to her office, he brought only one agenda and it was about the rights of the workers. The memory of a successful person is worthy of celebration and not mourning.

It was noted that a road in federal capital should be dedicated in his name to honour his services for the cause of journalists.

The other reference was held in the National Press Club where speakers remembered Pervez Shaukat for his contributions towards the rights of journalists and media workers, freedom of expression and upgrading the constitution of NPC.

Among the speakers included PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC President Anwar Raza, RIUJ President Abid Abbasi and senior journalists.

In his address, Farhatullah Babar said Pervez Shaukat believed in the provision of economic rights and used to sacrifice his own interests for the happiness of others. He said his demise was a loss for the whole community.

Veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi said Pervez Shaukat was a metaphor for ‘jihad’ he waged to unite various factions of journalists at one platform.

“Along with his contributions for the unions and the cause of journalists, Pervez Shaukat also performed his job and at the same time fought against the managements of the newspapers and TV channels,” Mr Zaidi added.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024