NPC Elections 2026-27: Democrats Panel Deals Blow to Journalist Panel, Wins Presidency and General Secretary

Islamabad —Muhammad Saleem March15, 2026
In a dramatic turn in Pakistani journalism circles, the long-dominant Journalist Panel suffered a significant defeat in the National Press Club (NPC) elections for 2026-27, losing four out of 10 executive body seats to the combined opposition Democrats Panel — including the crucial posts of president and general secretary.
President:
Abdul Razzaq Sial of the Democrats Panel was elected NPC President with 1,067 votes, narrowly defeating Journalist Panel’s Nayyer Ali who polled 1,052 votes — a razor-thin margin of just 15 votes.
General Secretary:
Dr Furqan Rao (Democrats Panel) secured the general secretary post with 1,024 votes, edging out Journalist Panel’s Khalid Mahmood who received 1,002 votes.
Finance Secretary:
Journalist Panel’s Abid Abbasi retained this seat with 1,061 votes, defeating Khawar Nawaz Raja who managed 1,032 votes.
Vice Presidents:
Of the three vice presidential slots, Journalist Panel’s Ehteshamul Haq topped with 1,202 votes, while Democrats Panel’s Bashir Chaudhry (1,076) and Usman Khan (1,015) claimed the other two seats. Sehrish Qureshi won the female vice president slot with 1,049 votes.
Joint Secretaries:
The Journalist Panel swept all three joint secretary posts — Sheraz Ali Gardezi (1,228), Aon Sherazi (1,121), and Javed Bhagat (865). Shakeela Jalil was elected female joint secretary with 1,162 votes.
Counting for executive member seats is yet to be held.
Political Felicitations:
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Nasir Abbas, and other leaders congratulated the newly elected office-bearers, expressing confidence that the new NPC leadership would uphold press freedom and serve the journalist community with dedication.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also extended his congratulations, describing the NPC as a “strong fortress of freedom of expression” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to an independent press.