PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Saturday paid rich tributes to journalists, who lost their lives and suffered hardships while performing their professional duties for freedom of press and strengthening of democracy over the past 75 years.

The event was arranged by Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) at the Peshawar Press Club in connection with the platinum jubilee anniversary of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

A large number of mediapersons, political activists and members of civil society organisations attended the event.

Those spoke on the occasion included KhUJ president Kashifuddin Syed, general secretary Irshad Maidani, PFUJ’s central leader Shamim Shahid, Mehmood Jan Babar, KhUJ’s former president Arshad Aziz Malik, Peshawar Press club president M Riaz, and Amjad Aziz Malik.

Representatives of political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl provincial spokesman Abdul Jalil Jan, Awami National Party provincial president Milan Iftikhar Hussain, Pakistan Peoples Party provincial senior vice-president Syed Ayub Shah, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Kamran Bangash, Qaumi Watan Party spokesman Tariq Ahmad Khan, and MPA Gopal Singh also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Kashifuddin Syed talked about the history of PFUJ, which is full of sacrifices rendered by journalists at different times for upholding the freedom of expression. He also mentioned names of many journalists who gave sacrifices of life and property in the line of duty.

Shamim Shahid said PFUJ was founded 75 years ago, and this milestone marked a significant achievement for journalists in Pakistan.

He counted numerous occasions wherein the successive governments targeted journalists mainly during military dictatorships for the only reason that they were performing their sacred duty. He said journalists were still facing the same hardships because they were supposed to expose the ugly faces of all those involved in wrongdoings.

M Riaz recalled the days when a suicide bomber had attacked Peshawar Press club.

The other speakers praised journalists for sacrificing their lives for press freedom. They also discussed various restrictions faced by journalists, including economic hardships and censorship.

They recalled the days when journalists faced lashes, imprisonment, enforced disappearances and life threats.

The speakers also expressed serious concern over the termination of jobs of journalists without any reason.

They acknowledged the risks and dangers journalists faced, particularly those covering conflict and political issues.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2025