London: The journalists residing in UK are playing role of a bridge to keep the Pakistani community linked with their homeland. They have right to claim remuneration for their hard work.
These were the views of National Leader of Pakistani Journalists Afzal Butt who was speaking in a reception in honour of newly elected cabinet of Pakistan Press Club Uk. This reception was arranged by the community residing in Luton. Afzal Butt was the chief guest while newly elected President Arshad Rachyal presided over the event.
Representing the community, former executive director Kashmir Centre London Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl, World Kashmir Freedom Movement’s key leader Nazir Qureshi, former Mayor of Luton Raja Waheed Akbar, APML’s leader Raja Latif, PTI leader Dr Yasin, PML-N’s acting General Secretary in UK Raja Shakeel Haider, PML-N’s prominent personality Raja Mushtaq Ahmad and several other personalities spoke on the occasion.
The speakers highlighted the importance of media abroad and the Kashmir issue.
Speaking on the occasion, former President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt said overseas Pakistanis always played a positive role and stood by their country through thick and thin whether there was any conspiracy against democracy, any judge detained or there was any storm in the country.
He said the journalists in UK were lucky that they were working in a free society and they were earning their livelihood in a Halal manner. He said new comers must receive a formal training and seniors should also guide them so that they could work in a better way.
PPC UK President Arshad Rachyal said signing of an agreement between working journalists of UK and Pakistan for effective communication was a welcome step. He informed the community about his country and its heritage and culture.
Former president and Resident Editor Daily Ausaf London Mobeen Chaudhry said Pakistani media in UK was working with the same fervor as in Pakistan. Be it Kashmir problem or issuance of community members’ passports or visa affairs, Pakistani journalist were working hard in discharging their duties.
World Kashmir Freedom Movement’s senior vice president Nazir Ahmad Qureshi said, “Allah has sworn by pen in holy Quran. You are a trusty of pen by Allah which is in your hands now. Journalists if distort nations, they also awake them from deep slumber. So you have heavy responsibilities on your shoulders.”
Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl said that journalist is a pillar of the state. A journalist has to keep in mind the national dignity and pride while developing a news. “It is our collective responsibility that we should make joint efforts for the welfare and betterment of the country and feeling pain of the Kashmiris, we should support them with our pen,” said Prof Nazir.
Senior vice president of PPCUK Sheraz Khan welcoming Afzal Butt in his town said Afzal Butt as a journalist and President National Press Club Islamabad was rendering valuable services
Nisar Gulshan performed duties as stage secretary. Afzal Chaudhry thanked the guests. Luton’s local councilors, political and social figures along with journalists participated in the function in large number.
