RIUJ General Body Meeting Approves Finance, Performance Reports Unanimously

Islamabad |Muhammad Saleem
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) held a successful General Body Meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk, during which members were briefed on the union’s year-long struggle for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights.
Speakers at the meeting unanimously lauded the collective performance of the RIUJ leadership, paying tribute to the union for its consistent efforts in safeguarding the professional and economic rights of journalists.
Addressing the gathering, President Tariq Ali Virk stated that due to RIUJ’s sustained struggle, legal initiatives, and effective representation, over Rs. 770 million in outstanding dues of journalists and media workers were recovered through the Implementation Tribunal for Newspaper Employees (ITNE). He described the recovery as a historic achievement for the journalistic community.
He also highlighted the union’s ongoing struggle against the PECA Act, efforts to protect press freedom, and initiatives taken to resolve issues faced by journalists at various levels, including matters involving New Town Police Station and other institutions.
Acting General Secretary Gulzar Khan presented the annual performance report, outlining protest movements, legal and parliamentary efforts, actions against forced layoffs, economic welfare initiatives for journalists, and various welfare activities undertaken during the year.
Meanwhile, Senior Vice President Bashir Usmani presented the finance report, briefing members on the union’s financial affairs and transparent administrative practices. Both the performance and finance reports were unanimously approved by the General Body.
President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Afzal Butt also addressed the meeting, speaking in detail about the challenges currently facing journalism in Pakistan.
The meeting was further addressed by PFUJ former Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, Fauzia Shahid, Press Club President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary Nayyar Ali, former RIUJ Presidents Anwar Raza, Mubarak Zaib, Ali Raza Alvi, Abid Abbasi, Aamir Sajjad Syed, Shehryar Khan, former RIUJ Secretary General Bilal Dar, and Finance Secretary Asghar Chaudhry, among others.
A large number of senior journalists and RIUJ members, including Waqar Abbasi, Kashan Akmal, Zaman Mughal, Javed Bhagat, Qurban Satti, Kashif Rafiq, Sardar Shahid, Asif Hamdani, Malik Khizar, Rashid Malik, Mudassar Lang, Tanveer Khokhar, Raja Javed, Sehrish Qureshi, Ihtesham-ul-Haq, Shah Muhammad, Naveed Sheikh, Asim Jilani, Shahid Ajmal, and hundreds of others, attended the meeting.
In his concluding remarks, President Tariq Ali Virk thanked the PFUJ leadership, RIUJ office-bearers, executive body members, and participants for their cooperation and support.
The General Body unanimously expressed full confidence in the RIUJ leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to continue the struggle for press freedom, dignity, and the protection of journalists’ rights. Participants expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of the meeting and resolved to further strengthen the union’s collective struggle.