JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 12, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channel
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed its deep sorrow and grief over the death of veteran journalist Ahfaz ur Rehman and announced three-day mourning across the country.
Rehman passed away in Karachi on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He had cancer and had been under treatment at the Aga Khan University (AKU) Hospital.
In a joint statement, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi paid rich tributes to the life-long struggle and sacrifices rendered by Rehman for press freedom in the country.
"Ahfazur Rehman was one of PFUJ's torch-bearers for the freedom of the press," the statement said. "He was always at the forefront of any movement launched by PFUJ against military rulers and oppressive regimes."
The PFUJ office-bearers said Rehman's struggle for freedom of expression would continue to be a guiding light for journalists.
During the three-day mourning, black flags will be hoisted at all press clubs, union offices as well as at places of work by journalists' unions.
The PFUJ leaders said Rehman's bold leadership and struggle for the rights of working journalists' since 1972 will always be remembered and continue to guide the PFUJ policies.
After his return from China, he was arrested and tortured during the oppressive regime of General Zia ul Haq, but he never surrendered and continued to raise his voice for freedom of press.
Even during the tenure of former military dictator Gen. Pervez Musharraf, Ahfaz remained at the forefront of the struggle when the ruler banned some TV channels.
"As president of PFUJ, Ahfaz ur Rehman constantly raised the issue of non-implementation of wage board award and challenged the owners and management of newspapers and media houses without any fear.
"With his death, we have lost a great trade unionist, a bold leader, a committed journalist, and above all, a man who had great personal integrity."
The statement said that Ahfaz worked to revitalize Karachi Press Club and always worked against those elements that at that time were bent upon de-politicizing the press club.
"We salute our former colleague and comrade Ahfaz ur Rehman's for his life-long struggle and that he will remain to live in the hearts of PFUJ members across the country," the statement said.
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.