CPNE vows to continue efforts for freedom of press, unity among ranks of journalists
KARACHI: A meeting of the Standing Committee of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) was held here on Wednesday. It was presided over by President CPNE Jamil Athar Qazi.
A number of decisions were taken at the meeting. It was decided that efforts would be made to keep the CPNE united for the sake of achievement of its goal of freedom of the press.
It was observed that the division of the CPNE would be damaging for the Press of the country. It was noted that there was every possibility ahead of an increase in danger for freedom of the Press. These dangers have increased in democracy and have made the working of journalists more difficult.
It was decided that endeavours for the safety of life and property of journalists should continue. The situation in the country is heading towards ‘extreme deterioration’ and history has assigned journalists to be the spokesmen for the sentiments and feelings of the people. The CPNE will continue to perform this duty and obstacle of any kind would not stop us from doing so. The CPNE urges the rulers to do away with their weaknesses and do their best to make the country a citadel of peace. The CPNE will remain in the forefront for the truth and the rights of the people. The meting also considered in detail the election held on 30th November and the situation prevailing prior to the election. It also considered in detail and approved to continue the efforts being taken on the judicial front. It was stated in the meeting that the CPNE will stick to its principled stand and will not compromise on it.
The meeting decided to form a committee for amendments to the constitution of the CPNE. It would be headed by Dr Waqar Younus Azimi, while its members will include Yousuf Riaz, Mushtaq Ahmad Qureshi, Javed Meher Shamsi, Mukhtar Aqil, Najmuddin Sheikh, Awais Alam Ali. President CPNE Jamil Athar and Secretary General Ilyas Shakir will also participate in it. This committee will consider the proposals for amendments to the constitution and present its report to the Standing Committee. The meeting lauded the services of the Chairman Sindh Committee, Mukhrar Aqil, Chairman Scrutiny and Enrolment Committee Mushtaq Ahmad Qureshi.
Member of the committee vowed that freedom of the Press would be defended at all costs and no pressure or threats in this regard would be acceptable. They also vowed to continue efforts to strengthen its ranks and keep the CPNE united.
The meeting also reviewed the relations between the Press and the government. It was decided that the next meeting of the CPNE Standing Committee would be held in Islamabad. It expressed full confidence in the leadership of President CPNE Jamil Athar and its whole leadership and expressed satisfaction over their efforts for freedom of the Press.
The meeting expressed grief over the demise of Yousuf Haroon and Safdar Qureshi (former director APP). It also expressed extreme shock and grief over the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Madani and the death of 32 people in Faisalabad bomb blast.
The members who attended the meeting included President CPNE Jamil Athar Qazi, Senior Vice President Qazi Asad Abid (Ibrat), Secretary General Ilyas Shakir (Qaumi Akhbar), Vice President Dr Waqar Yousuf Azimi (Kaleem), Finance Secretary Mushtaq Ahmad Qureshi (Nay-e-Ufuq), Syed Faseeh Iqbal (Balochistan Times), Zahid Malik (Pakistan Observer), Anwar Farooqi (Aghaz), Mehtab Khan (Ausaf), Younus Riaz (Beopar), Abdul Rashid Ghazi (Business), Najamuddin Sheikh (Diyanat), Mukhtar Aqil (Jurat), Shumaila Matri Dawood (Millat), Sardar Khan Niazi (Naya Rukh), Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani (Paigham) and Humayun Gulzar (Siyadat).
Those who attended the meeting as observers were Mubashir Mir (Pakistan), Awais Aslam Ali (PPI), Sheikh Danish Iftikhar (Asaas), Faizal Zahid Malik (Pakistan Observer), and Syed Sarmad Ali (Jang).
Source: The News
Date:3/10/2011
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