=> Speakers paid glowing tributes to veteran journali
Speakers paid glowing tributes to veteran journalist and founding leader of the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Minhaj Barna on the occasion of launching of his first poetry book “Marssiya Chauthay Sutoon Ka”.
In this connection a function was held at Karachi Press Club on Wednesday which was presided over by renowned writer and critic Dr Farman Fatehpuri, while Justice (retd) Wajihuddin Ahmed was the chief guest.
Dr Fatehpuri noted that Barna fulfilled his obligations as journalist and poet on the one hand by uniting the journalist community that kept up fighting for the right of freedom of expression and on the other hand, by writing revolutionary verses that targeted dictators and their acts of victimisation.
He said that it was so pleasant to see such a revealing poetry in the collection by Barna and added that it was a kind of ‘Rajz’ (epic) that give readers awareness and education vis-‡-vis the negative role of military dictators who infringed the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan.
While recalling some of the incidents and events that took place in the eras of General Ayub Khan and General Ziaul Haque, he said that during those eras not only journalists and other citizens had to face victimisation, but also the writers and publishers faced trials.
He referred to some cases heard by the then Judge, Justice Fakhruddin G Ebraheem (who was also present on the occasion and confirmed the opinion of Fatehpuri).
He pointed out that Barna had produced a lot of other poems and translated works and all those creations must be compiled.
Noted journalist and writer and leader of the PFUJ Ahfazur Rehman talked about the role played by Barna in uniting the downtrodden people and said that Barna even established a sweepers’ union in Quetta.
“He also worked for the cause of journalism and journalists and this was why that even the journalists from East Pakistan got him elected to the PFUJ on their quota. As being a leader of journalists, he was among the trendsetters who never compromised on the right of freedom of expression under all difficult situations,” Rehman said.
Justice (retd) Wajihuddin said that the days of the rulers were numbered and added that the struggle of the lawyers, journalists and civil society was yielding results. He said that there is no example of arresting judges even in the worst dictatorships, but our country also witnessed this shameful scenario.
Other prominent writers, columnists and journalists including Wahid Basheer, Zahida Hina, Muhammad Ali Siddiqui (Ariel), Prof Sehar Ansari also spoke.
They criticized the role of the government in restraining the electronic media from coverage and rejected all the ‘black laws’ formulated to restrain journalists and private TV channels from true coverage.
They condemned the ban on some channels and warned that journalists, lawyers and other people would never give up their struggle for true democracy and restoration of the Constitution.
Zahid Hina expressed concern over the role of major political parties, saying everyone was blowing his own trumpets instead of working for the restoration of true democracy, judiciary and reinstatement of sacked judges.
Wahid Basheer, Muhammad Ali Siddiqui and Sehar Ansari in their speeches said that Barna had painted and portrayed true political and social conditions in a very poetic manner and it was indeed the voice of the journalists and masses.
Wahid Basheer sharing his experiences as being a close associate of Barna said: “Barna Sahab never compromised on principles despite all odds and troubles.
Sabihuddin Ghausi, President of the Karachi Press Club, said that the journalist community never spared anyone and tried its best to portray the true situations despite being threatened by pressure groups.
Source: The News
Date:12/13/2007
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