Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association - PFJA

Maulana Zafar Ali Khan (late) awarded Quaid-e-Azam Badge By Pakistan
Freelance Journalists Association President Iqbal Yousafi.
Shahid Ali Khan the nephew of Baba-i-Sahafat Maulana Zafar Ali Khan
awarded Quaid-e-Azam Badge on Independence Day 1.4th August.

The representatives of journalists organizations of Saarc countries have
accused the goverments of India, Pakistan and Nepal of their alleged
interference in the internal affairs of Each other. The representatives of
Saarc countries who assembled in Colombo, Srilanka , have aired their
resentment over the sorry state of affairs prevailing in these countries.
Besides, the representatives comprising mostly of Freelance journalists,
the participants have also portrayed the gross violation of human rights in
these countries. The opening cermony of the conference was performed by the
president of SRI LANKA while the 2nd session was opened by Information
Minister of Sri Lanka. The conference was attened by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
India, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and other countries. 21 representatives
from these countries were invited to attened the conference.
Representatives from Singapore and Generat Sectary of IFJ International
Federation of Journalists Mr Aiden White, also attened the conference.
Speaking on the occasion, President of PFJA Pakistan Freelance Journalists
Association, Iqbal Yousafi accused india of harassing visiting journalists
after issuing them visa. In support of his contention, he qouted the arrest
of a Pakistani Journalist & editor of a monthly magazine, Muhammad Masood
Azhar, who was physically tortured after arrest. The journalist is still
missing. He said that this is the worst example in the diplomatic history
of the world that valid visa & passport holder was badly torture & is
missing but Indian administration is silent. Yousafi pointed out that
Indian Journalists visiting Pakistan have never even have been questioned,
leave alone of being physically tortured.
He further stressed that if any journalist's credentials seems doubtful
Indian Embassy should not issue him a visa. To net the journalists like
this after issuing them visa is the Wrost kind of diplomatic gagsterism.
On Yousafi's protest, the Indian Journalists attending the conference
assured to take up the matter with their goverment. The speech of Pakistani
representative was hailed and the demand was fully supported by the
representative of Saarc countries attending the conference continued for 5
days in Colombe. During the coference, human rights, regional problems and
affect of local conditions on journalism were discussed by intellectuals of
Sri Lanka.

The News
Date 15 May 1999
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] has arrange a Quran
Khawani for the departed soul of reowned journalist ZA Sureli on friday.
Badshahi Mosque khateeb Maulana Abdul Sattar will offer dua for the
deceased.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] has urged to
shifting coffin of renowned journalist ZA SURELI at mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the President of Pakistan
Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] Iqbal Yousafi said that Z.A.Sureli
was closed associate to Quaid-e-Azam who rendered untiring services of
Pakistan and in the field of Journalism.
Z.A.Sureli was buried as a matter of trust and it is the duty of goverment
to shift the body for burial besides Quaid-e-Azam. He expressed his hope
that the arrangements of burial would be finalised on August 14.

THE NEWS - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] has appealed
for the release of 2 French journalists held hostage in Iraq . PFJA
President Iqbal Yousafi, in a statement urged the captors to release the
journalists on humanitarian grounds.
He said no religion, especially Islam allows to do so. Yousafi said that
decision of Frence Goverment to impose their law on Muslim Students was
widely criticized in the world but the kidnaping of French journalists
would also provide the basis for world wide criticism.

THE NATION - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association has condemned the
arrest of two French journalists.
PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi in a statement condemned the Interior Ministry
for his objection to their visit stay in Quetta. He said the journalists
who where warned of terrorists in Pakistan will have to be careful about
Pakistani goverments also. He has demanded the Prime Minister's
intervention for their release.

Political leaders and the people from all walks of life have expressed deep
sense of shock and sorrow over the death of eminent Journalist ZA Sureli.
They prayed that ALLAH Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal
peace and great courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear this
irreparable loss.
Governor Shahid Hamid condoling the death of ZA SURELI said he rendered
valuable services in the field of Journalism and achieved distinction in
whatever editorial capacity he served. He added his services would be
remembered for a long time.
Punjab Transport Minister Irfan Ahmad Daha said the deceased was a devoted
Muslim League worker and with his demise, PML had lost a gentle,
intelligent and industrious worker.
He said the services of the deceased would be remembered for a long period.
Jama'at Islami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Naib Amir Liaqat Baloch
termed his death a national loss. They said that ZA Sureli's services for
Pakistan Movement, freedom of Press and quality of journalism were
everlasting. He said the deceased was a patriotic Pakistani and always
continued his crusade to uphold Pakistan Ideology and two nation theory.
Markazi Jama'at Ahle Hadith Pakistan chief Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer
said ZA Sureli worked all his life for Islam and Pakistan. He said Sureli
was the writer of the country and though his death has closed an important
chapter of journalism, his writings would always be a source of guidance
for the people.
Majlise Karkunani Tehrik Pakistan In a meeting chaired by Akram Ali Khan
condoled the death of ZA Sureli. Ali Muhtashim, Brig (retd) Zafar Iqbal
Chaudhary, Rana Safdar Jang Col (retd) Jamshed Ahmad Khan Tareen, Dr Iqbal
Sarhindi and Ch Abdur Rasheed besides several others attened the meeting.
Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] CONDOLE ZA SURELI's
DEATH
In a meeting, Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] paid rich
tributes to ZA Sureli for the services for the nation. Allama Anwar
Zahoori, Iqbal Yousafi, Prof Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Kamal Rizvi, Naeem Qureshi,
Ibrahim Tahir, Tanveer Zuberi and Shaukat Ullah prayed for the departed
soul.

Shahid condoles ZA SURELI's death

Governor Shahid Hamid has condoled the sad demise of journalist ZA Sureli.
In a condolence message on Thursday, the governor praised the meritorious
services of late Sureli and said that he was an eminent journalist who had
rendered valuable services in journalism and achieved distinction in
whatever editorial capacity he served. He said his services would be
remembered for a long time. He prayed that Allah Almighty might rest the
departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the
irreparable loss.

ZA SURELI's death condoled
Punjab Minister for Transport, Irfan Ahmad Khan Daha and Chairman Task
Force Punjab for Essential Items. S A Hameed have expressed deep sense of
shock and sorrow ove the death of renowned journalist and worker of
Pakistan Movement, ZA Sureli. In a condolence message on Thursday, the
minister said that the deceased was devoted worker of Muslim League has
lost a gentle, intelligent and industrious worker. He said that the
services of the deceased will be remebered for a long time to come.

PAA CONDOLES
S H Hashmi chairman and other members of central executive committee of
Pakistan Advertising Association expressed their grief on the death of the
venturer journalist, ZA Sureli. He said Sureli was an active participant of
Pakistan Movement and throughout his life he worked in the best interest of
the nation. The Pakistan Advertising Association offered condolence to the
bereaved family members and prayed that may ALLAH give courage to them to
bear the loss.

Political leaders and the people from all walks of life have expressed deep
sense of shock and sorrow over the death of eminent Journalist ZA Sureli.
They prayed that ALLAH Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal
peace and great courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear this
irreparable loss.
Governor Shahid Hamid condoling the death of ZA SURELI said he rendered
valuable services in the field of Journalism and achieved distinction in
whatever editorial capacity he served. He added his services would be
remembered for a long time.
Punjab Transport Minister Irfan Ahmad Daha said the deceased was a
devoted Muslim League worker and with his demise, PML had lost a gentle,
intelligent and industrious worker.
He said the services of the deceased would be remembered for a long period.
Jama'at Islami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Naib Amir Liaqat Baloch
termed his death a national loss. They said that ZA Sureli's services for
Pakistan Movement, freedom of Press and quality of journalism were
everlasting. He said the deceased was a patriotic Pakistani and always
continued his crusade to uphold Pakistan Ideology and two nation theory.
Markazi Jama'at Ahle Hadith Pakistan chief Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer
said ZA Sureli worked all his life for Islam and Pakistan. He said Sureli
was the writer of the country and though his death has closed an important
chapter of journalism, his writings would always be a source of guidance
for the people.
Majlise Karkunani Tehrik Pakistan In a meeting chaired by Akram Ali
Khan condoled the death of ZA Sureli. Ali Muhtashim, Brig (retd) Zafar
Iqbal Chaudhary, Rana Safdar Jang Col (retd) Jamshed Ahmad Khan Tareen, Dr
Iqbal Sarhindi and Ch Abdur Rasheed besides several others attened the
meeting.
Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] CONDOLE ZA SURELI's
DEATH
In a meeting, Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association [PFJA] paid rich
tributes to ZA Sureli for the services for the nation. Allama Anwar
Zahoori, Iqbal Yousafi, Prof Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Kamal Rizvi, Naeem Qureshi,
Ibrahim Tahir, Tanveer Zuberi and Shaukat Ullah prayed for the departed
soul.

Shahid condoles ZA SURELI's death

Governor Shahid Hamid has condoled the sad demise of journalist ZA Sureli.
In a condolence message on Thursday, the governor praised the meritorious
services of late Sureli and said that he was an eminent journalist who had
rendered valuable services in journalism and achieved distinction in
whatever editorial capacity he served. He said his services would be
remembered for a long time. He prayed that Allah Almighty might rest the
departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the
irreparable loss.

ZA SURELI's death condoled
Punjab Minister for Transport, Irfan Ahmad Khan Daha and Chairman Task
Force Punjab for Essential Items. S A Hameed have expressed deep sense of
shock and sorrow ove the death of renowned journalist and worker of
Pakistan Movement, ZA Sureli. In a condolence message on Thursday, the
minister said that the deceased was devoted worker of Muslim League has
lost a gentle, intelligent and industrious worker. He said that the
services of the deceased will be remebered for a long time to come.

PAA CONDOLES
S H Hashmi chairman and other members of central executive committee of
Pakistan Advertising Association expressed their grief on the death of the
venturer journalist, ZA Sureli. He said Sureli was an active participant of
Pakistan Movement and throughout his life he worked in the best interest of
the nation. The Pakistan Advertising Association offered condolence to the
bereaved family members and prayed that may ALLAH give courage to them to
bear the loss.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) and the member of
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has hailed Chief Executive
Gen Pervez Musharraf for his assurance of press freedom.
In a press release here Saturday, PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi said so
far there was no army intervention in the press. He expressed satisfaction
that Gen Musharraf believed in the free press.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has rebutted government
allegations that the Press is projecting terrorists as heroes.
PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi, in a statement on Thursday, said the press
and media persons were well aware of their responsibilities and well doing
their job in keeping with national interests and obligations. He advised
the government to look into the causes of terrorism and curb it accordingly.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) Monday supported
graduation condition for the parliament candidates but urged the government
to exempt the senior politicians from this condition.
In a statement the Association President Iqbal Yousafi, said the
condition is in the best interest of the nation but senior undergraduates
politicians who have served the people in politics should be spared. He
said the condition would help getting rid of illiterate politicians.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has welcomed the
step of Taliban to release British journalist Yvonne Ridley.
In a press release issued on Monday, president PFJA Iqbal Yousafi said
that the detained women was a journalist not a spy.
He thanked the Afghan government for releasing the women journalist.




From: The Nation.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has strongly
condemned the Indian government's decision not to issue visas to Pakistani
Journalists who wants to cover Indian general elections. The PFJA President
Iqbal Yousafi has said the reason behind this shameful decision is only
that Indian government fears exposure of holding of so-called elections in
Occupied Kashmir.

A meeting of Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association has condoled the
death of father-in-law of a senior journalist of Daily Jang Anjum Rasheed.
The meeting was chaired by association's chairman Iqbal Yousafi in which
fateha was also offered for the departed soul.

A meeting of Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) expressed
profound grief over the death of senior journalist Tajuddin Haqiqat and the
mother of Photographer Yasmin Siddiqui. Calling the demise of Tajuddin an
irreparable loss, the meeting paid tribute to the services he rendered for
journalism.
It also offered fateha for the
two deceased.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) Saturday held a protest
demonstration in front of the Supreme Court building for the supremacy of
the Judiciary and freedom of Press. The demonstrators chanted slogans in
favour of the bold stance taken by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar
Muhammad Chaudhary.
They called Chief Justice of Pakistan the flag-bearer of the human
rights of Pakistani People adding that the government was bent upon
destroying the institutions. They said that lawlessness, price-hike and
loot and plunder were rampant in the country adding that district and city
government system had become a most corrupt institution.
They said that the people had become mentally ill and were making
suicidal attempts under these circumstances but the government was still
saying that it would get people's votes.
PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi said that the Cheif Justice of Pakistan was
making decisions in national interest under difficult circumstances and he
took those decisions to save national assets and redress the people's
grievances including the recovery of missing people.
He said that the way Cheif Justice of Pakistan had react to the brutal
murder of Journalist Hayatullah Khan had made the journalists community
truly indebted to him. He said that all of us would fight till the death of
the freedom of press and supremacy of judiciary.

Lahore - President PFJA, Iqbal Yousafi has expressed his profound grief and
heartfelt sorrow over the death of renowned poet and litterature Arshad
Multani.
While paying rich tributes to the deceased, he said his works for the
Urdu literature would be remembered forever.
He said Urdu literature had suffered an irrepairable loss due to his
death.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) at a condolence meeting
has expressed deep grief over the death of senior journalist Saleh Muhammad
Siddiq.
Praising Siddiq for his dutifulness and honesty, PFJA President Iqbal
Yousafi said the life of the deceased was a model for young journalists.
Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Naeem Qureshi, Dr Nadeem, M.Y Tabassum, Anwar Zahoori
and Shabbir Usmani were present at the condolence meeting. They also
offered Fateha for the late.

President Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) Iqbal Yousafi
has vehemently condemned baseless allegations made by some of the so-called
Pakistani intellectuals group against Pakistan during their visit to India.
Iqbal Yousafi demanded of the Pakistan Government to take notice of the
glaring anti-Pakistan activities of these so-called intellectuals by
seriously examining their objectionable speeches which the delivered in the
functions held both at Banglore and Delhi.
He pertinently pointed out towards a women member of the visiting group
who claims herself to be a champion of human rights and who distributed
sweets amongst the Indian soldiers who raped helpless Kashmiri women
freedom-fighters in the occoupied Kashmir.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA), a member
organisation of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has
condemned the FIA raid on the offices of Daily Jang, Rawalpindi.
At a meeting the organisation members expressed concern over the
harassment the government was spreading by illegally raiding newspaper
offices. They termed the raid against the freedom of expression.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has condoled the
deaths of Prof Mirza Munawar, columnist Meer Abdul Aziz and daily Aftab
chief editor Mumtaz Tahir's mother.
Chaired by Iqbal Yousafi, a journalists meeting lauded Aziz and
Munawar's services. They also prayed for the departed souls.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has demanded the
accountability of army,judges and journalists. In a statement Thursday,
PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi condemned the government for 'slow'
accountability. He said in the last one year, the government did nothing
special in this context.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) which is a
member of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has appealed to the
Afghan government of Taliban to protect the life of Mehmood Saeed,
correspodent of Iranian News Agency (IRNA) and ensure his safe passage to
Pakistan or Iran.
In a communication to Afghan government the PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi
said that Afghans should fulfil their responsibility to provide safety to
the life and property of foreigns nationals in Afghanistan. He said that
PFJA make arrangements for the travel of Mehmood Saeed to Pakistan or Iran
if he was brought to kabul.
The PFJA in a seperate statement has said that Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif's remarks against members of press were the result of his ignorance
about the role of Press.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has taken strong
exception to President Rafiq Tarar's comments in which he had held the
press responsible for chaos in the country. In a statement Friday, PFJA
President Iqbal Yousafi said President's comments were baseless since press
in Pakistan was playing highly responsible role as against the state owned
electronic media. He said President had failed to point out any single news
item which created chaos.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has consituted a
three-member committee to review the possibility of treatment of Rana
Muhammad Iqbal, a Senior journalist, abroad. He is currently under
treatment at the Radiotherapy Ward of Mayo Hospital.
A delegation of PFJA under the President Iqbal Yousafi, visited the Mayo
Hospital to enquire after the health of Rana Muhammad Iqbal. They expressed
their concern over the condition of Rana Muhammad Iqbal and said he was not
being given proper treatment. Iqbal Yousafi said that despite the fact that
several news items had published in the local Press regarding the illness
of Rana Iqbal, the government as well as the health authorities had not
borthered to ensure proper treatment to Mr.Iqbal. He also alleged that
Information Secretary had a fund of 10 million for journalists, poets and
other literary persons at his disposal but had never financially helped any
person.

As many as 27 journalists were killed in the would while defeneding the
press freedom during the year 2000. It was disclosed in a press release
issued by Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA). Altough this
statistics is the lower during last 10 years, the increase in kidnapping is
very alarming, said the press release. In 25 countries, 73 journalists
behind the bars. However, no complaint was recieved of any journalist being
killed in America, Canada, Japan, France, or Western Europe. In Pakistan,
one journalist attached with a Lahore-based English Newspaper was
reportedly killed in custody of the Rawalpindi police.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has strongly
condemned the brutal murder of five journalists by General Adid's men in
somalia.
The President of PFJA Mr.Iqbal Yousafi said that the deceased
journalists had been staying in the area of Naroobi. General Adid's men
called them to their area, and killed at war front in Bosina.
The PFJA President appealed to the Secretary-General of the United
Nations to take steps for the safety of journalists, working in the
war-worn countries.
He also hailed the decision of International Federation of Journalists
(IFJ) to form an investigation committee in this connection and to launch a
camaign for the safety of journalists in the war-worn countries.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has declared Afghanistan
dangerous for the life of foreign journalists and warned them against
visiting Afghanistan.
PFJA President Yousafi said that at least 13 journalists including a
female were killed while a journalist was kidnapped during a short period
of 10 days .He expressed grave concern over the sad killing of journalists
in the area occupied by the Northern Alliance.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) Monday termed the
murders of Manzar Imkati of Sindh and Agha Firasat of Punjab as acts of
terrorism. The PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi expressed deep sorrow over the
incidents and demanded of the government to arrest of culprits as soon as
possible.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has expressed gratitude
over the financial assistance of Rs 20,000 by CM to Waqar Usmani who was
injured seriously few months back. PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi has termed
the help insufficient for the treatment and appealed to the CM to help
generously. It is also pertinent to mention here that a financial help of
Rs 50,000 was promised for the treatment of Waqar Usmani.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has condoled with Hasnain
Javed, a senior journalist of Lahore on the sad demise of his mother.
The PFJA in a meeting chaired by PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi expressed
deep sorrow with the grieved family. The meeting was attened by Zafar Ali
Raja, Imtiaz Rasheed, Mazhar Ali Adeeb, Shaukatullah, Khalid Pervaiz Malik,
Idrees Usmani, Waliur Rehman, Ibrahim Tahir, Tahir Lahoree, Naeem Qureshi
and AH Rana.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) President Iqbal
Yousafi, Thursday called on Information Secretary and PTV chairman Syed
Anwar Mahmood and discussed with him Press Council draft and the policy of
issuing declaration.
The information secretary disclosed that Press Council's draft had been
prepared and consent of both the parties had been acquired. Yousafi
directed the attention of Information Secratary towards the ills and consequences of the declaration' free policy.
Iqbal Yousafi further directed the attention of PTV chairman towards the programmes broadcast on television whose sole aim who was to spread despair and vullgarity in the society. Secretary said strict notice would be taken against such programmes and assured that now onward objective programmes would be broadcast on television.

Yellow journalism and self censorship are a danger to the press freedom,
said speakers at a function organised by the Pakistan Freelance Journalists
Association (PFJA) and the member of International Federation of
Journalists on World Press Freedom Day. Chairing the function, PFJA
President Iqbal Yousafi said the press freedom was impossible when there
was poverty, tension and corruption. Anwar Zahoori, Shaukatullah, Mazhar
Ali Adeeb, Muhammad Hussain Chaudhary, Naeem Qureshi, Faqeer Hussain,
Ibrahim Tahir, Sharif Usmani also addressed. In the end, Shahid Orakzai and
Ardeshir Cowasjee were given the PFJA membership.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) members led by Iqbal
Yousafi affixing badge on the waistcoat of veteran journalist Maulana
Muhammad Ismail Zabih on Independence Day.

Lahore - Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has felicitated
the newly-elected office-bearers of APNS.The Association has assured full
cooperation with the APNS on all issues regarding Newspapers and
Journalists. The President of the Association Iqbal Yousafi said that act
of Government to ban its advertisements particularly for a Group of
Newspapers is highly objectionable and unjustified. He said that masses and
Foreign Media have declared this act mala fide and wilful act to dicate the
Newspapers on the pattern of electronic media. He said that PFJA strongly
condemned the Government policy stands against freedom of Press.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) Monday condemned the
murder of a Multan journalist's son. Expressing grief at the killing of
journalist Masihullah Khan's son, a 4th year student at the Nishtar Medical
College, PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi demanded the immediate arrest of
murderers.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has hailed the
government's step of slashing 25 percent excise duty and 30 percent margin
commission. In a statement Wednesday, PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi said the
step would help newspaper industry in coming out of the financial crisis.

سینیر صحافی، بانی و صدر پاکستان فری لانس جرنلسٹس ایسوسی ایشن (پی ایف جے اے) اور ممبر انٹرنیشنل فیڈریشن آف جرنلسٹس (آی ایف جے) اقبال یوسفی 19-01-2008 کو لاہور،پاکستان میں انتقال کرگۓ.

The Pakistan Freelance journalists Association (PFJA) پاکستان فری لانس جرنلسٹس ایسوسی ایشن‎ ‎پی ایف جے اے has welcomed the launch of Waqt TV and termed it as a step to safeguard the ideology of Pakistan. In a statement issued here on Monday President PFJA lqbal Yousafi اقبال یوسفی congratulated Chairman Nawa-e-Waqt Group Majid Nizami on opening the new channel.

"It would prove to be a serious
channel for which there was a lot of demand. Like Nawa-e- Waqt it would come up to the expectations of people of different sections of society," Yousafi said.



The Nation
Date:12/4/2007

LAHORE: Sarmad Bashir's son
died of cardiac arrest on
Monday night at Ittefaq
Hospital. Bashir is a senior
journalist working at The
Nation. Sajawal Sarmad (14) was buried at the G-Block
Model Town graveyard. A
large number of journalists
attended the funeral. Sajawal's qul will be held on
Friday after the afternoon
prayers at 143-2C/II,
Township, Lahore. A dua will
be said after Asar prayers. The
Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) پاکستان فری لانس جرنلسٹس ایسوسی ایشن‎ ‎پی ایف جے اے condoled
Bashir on the sad demise of his
son. Iqbal Yousufi اقبال یوسفی , the PFJA
president, expressed deep
sorrow to the grieved family.


Date: 04 Feb 2005 Friday
From: Daily Times

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) celebrated the
Independence Day by awarding Quaid-e-Azam Badge to a senior journalist
Mumtaz Ahmed Khan who took part in the Pakistan Movement. The badge was
pinned by the PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi.
Mumtaz Ahmed Khan worked closely with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
as a student and journalist. Many freelance journalists were present on the
occasion including Dr Masoom Abedi, Allama Anwar Zahoori, Prof Mazhar Ali
Adeeb and Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi.
The all prayed for the prosperity of the country.
In the end Mumtaz Ahmed Khan talked about his association with
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah while he was a student and journalist.

Quran Khawani and a meeting to condole the death of the renowned trade
union leader, Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani, who died in Karachi few days back, will
be held at Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) office.
Throughout his life, Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani actively participated in the
trade unions' activities and worked hard for the protection of
journalists's rights. He was elected chairman of the All Pakistan
Newspapers Confederation. In recognition of his services he was also
elected member of the National Assembly.




From: The Nation

Throughout his life, Maulana Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani struggled hard for the
promotion of newspaper industry and also contributed a lot for the
protection of the rights of people associated with this industry.
These views were expressed in a meeting auspices of Pakistan Freelance
Journalists Association (PFJA) to condoled the death of Maulana
Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani on Saturday.
The condolence meeting was chaired by President PFJA Iqbal Yousafi.
Paying glowing tributes to Maulana Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani, he said that
Maulana Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani, on account of his sheer hard work, recognised
himself as a true and a dedicated leader of newspaper industry, and left no
stone unturned for the protection of the rights of journalist community.
Other speakers also paid rich tributes to Maulana Nasim-ul-Haq Usmani for
the service in which he rendered for the promotion of this industry and
said his services in this regard would be long remebered.

Lahore - Rich tributes paid to Hameed Nizami, undaunted journalist, founder
of Daily Nawa-i-waqt and a leader of Pakistan Movement, at a meeting
organized by Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) with Iqbal
Yousafi in the chair on Tuesday.
The meeting was attened by a large number of journalists and admirers of
Hameed Nizami.
The speakers said that Hameed Nizami was a man of principle. They said
it was need of the hour that the newsmen should follow journalistic values
of Hameed Nizami.
Soofi Kamal Rizvi said that Hameed Nizami, despite financial crisis and
government's pressure, did not violate the sancity of Press.
Prof Mazhar Ali said that Press freedom could be preserved by upholding
the jounalistic values of Hameed Nizami. Terming Nizami as a bold mediaman,
Rehman Zulfi deplored that his values were being violated.
MA Zubairi said that without reference of Hameed Nizami, the history of
Pakistani Journalism is incomplete, adding that he gave life to journalism.
Shaukat Ullah said that Nizami fought war of Pakistan and Press freedom
and met with success.
Syed Anwar Zahoori said like othe institutions in the country,
corruption has also gripped the profession of journalism.
Iqbal Yousafi said that the best way to pay tributes to Hameed Nizami is
that we should follow his principles and his ideas should be introduced to
the future generation. Ibrahim Tahir, A.B Ansari, and Nabi Ahmed Usmani
also spoke on the occasion.





From: The Nation

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) committee considered
the names of personalities for the ninth edition of International Directory
for Distinguished Leadership (IDDL). In a meeting held headed by PFJA
President Iqbal Yousafi on the request of a U.S leading international
publishing organization, American Biographical Institute Inc, the committee
considered the names of which included,
Justice Sajjad Ali Shah.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan.
Dr. Khalid Ranjha.
Dr. Safdar Mehmood.
Dr. Asad Muhammad Khan.
Dr. Zahida Durrani.
Maulana Dr. Abdul Qadir Azad.
Jamilud Din Ali.
Alexander John Malik.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) President Iqbal Yousafi
has condoled the death of the father of journalist and Punjab Union of
Journalists (PUJ) President Bakhtgir Chaudhry.
He prayed to Allah Almight to rest the departed soul in peace and give
courage to bereaved family.

Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) in its condolence meeting
presided over by PFJA President Iqbal Yousafi on Friday expressed grief and
sorrow over the sad demise of senior journalist Rana Iqbal.
Calling Iqbal an honest, fearless and dedicated journalist, the meeting
observed that the deceased fell pray to the government's negligence and
fellow workers' apathy. Expressing symphaty with the bereaved family, the
meeting prayed for the deliverance of departed soul.

Senior Journalist Rana Iqbal, who died Thursday at Mayo Hospital after
protracted illness, was laid to rest after Jumma prayers at Mian Sahid
graveyard. Hunderds of people from all walks of life, including journalists
and relatives of deceased, attened the funeral prayers. Iqbal has left a
widow, a daughter and a son in posterity. The Qul of the deceased will be
held on Sunday at 7:30 am at 9-Hajj Park, Sodiwal Quarters, Lahore.
CM, Governor condole death
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Governor Punjab Shahid Hamid
Sunday expressed grief over the sad demise of senior journalist Rana
Muhammad Iqbal.
In a separate condolence messages, they expressed sympathy with the
bereaved family and prayed peace for the departed soul.

The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has decided to gather
to bio-datas of journalists imprisoned in various jails of the country.
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (PFJA) has decided to
fight their cases.
The Freelance Journalists have contacted the home secretaries of all
four provinces in this connection.
President PFJA, Iqbal Yousafi revealed that he was contacted by two
journalists who are in jails. One of them was implicated in a false case on
behalf of a former Chief Minister of Punjab, said Yousafi.
The valuables he possessed at the time of arrest, were appropriated by
the police.
In a statement, Yousafi further said that Shamshad Chaudhary has been
given 'B' class due to the efforts of the association and a free legal aid
committee for journalists will be set up soon.