JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 05, 2016
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: True to reputation Journalist Panel swept Monday's National Press Club elections marred by rowdyism and takeover of a polling station by members of rival Jago Panel.
Polling at one of the two stations remained suspended for nearly three hours after slogan-chanting Jago supporters stormed it alleging fake votes were cast and objecting to the voters' list. They broke tables and chairs, their misconduct putting the entire local journalist fraternity to shame. Never before were such unruly scenes witnessed in press club polls.
However, the election committee headed by Nasir Zaidi made up for lost time by extending the polling beyond the scheduled 8.30pm close and switching to the other station. Many press club members were unable to cast their votes because of the chaos. Out of 3373 total voters, 1630 votes were polled.
Shakeel Anjum (pictured) became the new president with 787 votes defeating Ataur Rehman Tahir (352) and Abdul Qayum Siddiqui representing Jago (248).
Imran Yaqub Dhilon polled 823 votes to emerge as the new secretary routing Matiullah Jan (420).
Others elected were: Vice presidents: Naveed Akbar (862), Asif Bhatti (835), Ibrahim Kumbhar (661) and Nazia Tohid Mustafa (705, woman's seat).
Finance Secretary: M. Ishaque Chaudhry
Joint Secretaries: Malik Iqbal (880), Mohsin Ijaz (814), Amanullah Khan (793) and Shakila Jalil (739, women's seat).
Meanwhile, the election committee was to announce the successful members of the governing body on Tuesday.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.