KARACHI, March 16: The Dawn unit of the Karachi Union of Journalists on Thursday paid tributes to former editor Ahmad Ali Khan, eulogising his contribution to the cause of press freedom.

A resolution adopted at a condolence meeting said: “Ahmad Ali Khan, a strong believer in democracy and freedom of expression, promoted healthy journalistic norms in society during his career spanning over 60 years, right from the day he joined Dawn, Delhi.”

The meeting urged the government to establish a chair at the University of Karachi in honour of the veteran journalist and to confer on him a posthumous award in recognition of his efforts to promote healthy journalism and a free press. The KUJ recalled that Ahmad Ali Khan had twice turned down government awards.

The resolution said: “Mr Khan stood for independent journalism in Pakistan, and hated the very idea of government control on newspapers.

He saw political turmoil, but never yielded to pressure even during dictatorial regimes.

“He upheld the interests of the newspaper, and protected journalists against all sorts of harassment on the job. He was against all injustice and stood for the masses, largely reflected in the newspaper coverage.”

The KUJ’s Dawn unit also urged the newspaper management to establish a foundation in memory of Mr Ahmad Ali Khan.

Speaking at the condolence meeting, senior journalist Mohammad Ali Siddiqi recalled Ahmad Ali Khan’s role in making Dawn a voice of dissent. Mr Siddiqi said the former editor believed the Press should make consistent efforts to achieve the `last bit of freedom of expression by progressing inch by inch’.

Sabihuddin Ghausi, President of the Karachi Press Club, spoke about the personality of Mr Khan, and his commitment to investigative journalism.

KUJ chief Shamimur Rahman, Apnec Chairman Shafiuddin Ashraf KUJ Dawn Unit chief Zaheer Ahmad Khan, Afshan Subohi, Mujeebur Rahman and Khursheed Haider also spoke.