Daily Imroze Interview 12-Feb-1991
Interview with Naveed Bukhari
Muhammad Iqbal Yousufi is the founder and president of the Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association (Registered) — the only representative body of independent journalists in the country. This association stands with the “laborers of the pen” — journalists, writers, poets, and intellectuals — sharing their struggles and hardships. It is a broad fraternity of writers spread across the nation who may not hold formal employment with any institution, yet remain actively engaged in the field of journalism. The responsibility of safeguarding their rights and addressing their concerns has been assumed by the Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association. Together with his colleagues, Mr. Yousfi continues to pursue this mission with determination and sincerity.
Speaking in an interview, he explained that most members of the association belong to the working class and do not earn enough to benefit from the facilities available to mainstream journalists. Former Pakistan Times Chief Editor, A.T. Chaudhry, also highlighted this issue to him. This inspired the creation of the association. After consulting freelance journalists, the association was formally established — receiving an overwhelmingly positive response nationwide. Letters poured in from across the country from those seeking membership. In Punjab alone, over seventy freelance journalists registered, and today, the majority of independent writers contributing to national newspapers and magazines are members. Notably, A.T. Chaudhry himself became a member after leaving Pakistan Times.
Welfare Initiatives
When asked about the association’s work, Mr. Yousfi detailed several welfare initiatives. For instance, when senior journalist Maqbool Ahmad, who was serving in radio monitoring, fell ill, swift financial assistance was provided. Along with a grant of twenty thousand rupees, he was given free medical treatment at Lahore’s largest hospital. Later, a permanent monthly stipend was arranged. Similarly, upon the death of veteran journalist A.D. Mirza, financial support was extended to his family. Multan-based poet Qamar Ansari, whose business had collapsed and who was living in dire straits, was granted a cheque for twenty thousand rupees. The family of noted journalist Fateh Farukh, also a member of the association, received strong institutional recommendations for financial assistance, to which the authorities responded positively. Efforts are also underway to secure a residential plot and subsistence allowance for his children.
The association has also launched a campaign to name major roads in provincial capitals after distinguished journalists. The proposal aims to honor eminent figures such as Marghoob Siddiqui, A.T. Chaudhry, Muhammad Idrees, Maqbool Ahmad, and Waqar Anbalvi. The matter is currently under review by the Lahore Municipal Corporation, and a favourable decision is anticipated.
Mr. Yousufi stressed that while journalists are respected during their lifetimes, they and their families are often forgotten after their passing. When fellow professionals display indifference, it is deeply painful. To counter this, the association has established a new tradition: convening condolence meetings immediately upon the death of a journalist, offering prayers, and providing direct assistance and support to the bereaved families. Importantly, all of these services have been delivered on purely humanitarian grounds — without any external funding or patronage.
The Pakistan Freelance Journalists Association remains the only body in the country that issues official membership cards to freelance journalists, duly verified by the Department of Information. Furthermore, it has secured affiliation with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and additional measures are underway to obtain more benefits for members. Mr. Yousfi emphasized that serving the journalist community without discrimination is the association’s guiding principle.
Challenges and Future Goals
Mr. Yousufi mentioned that young journalist Tasleem Ahmad Tasavvur has appealed for urgent funds for medical treatment abroad, as his illness cannot be treated domestically. Encouraging progress has been made toward raising the required support.
On the subject of the National Press Trust (NPT), Mr. Yousufi expressed strong opposition to dismantling it. He argued that NPT newspapers employ seasoned journalists whose professional competence is well recognized. Historically, some of the subcontinent’s finest journalists have been associated with these publications. The real challenge lies in administrative inefficiencies, which occasionally push NPT newspapers into crisis. Breaking up the NPT, he warned, would deprive thousands of employees of their livelihoods, creating despair and unrest. He urged the government to address the matter with care and to provide adequate financial assistance, while entrusting administrative affairs to sincere and experienced individuals so that NPT newspapers may compete on equal footing with others through healthy journalism.
Looking ahead, Mr. Yousufi revealed ambitious plans for the association. These include establishing a Press Centre and a comprehensive library accessible to all working journalists, as well as launching an ambulance service. Scholarships will be introduced for the children of low-income journalists, alongside educational and sports competitions to enhance their abilities. Housing schemes will also be developed to support homeless journalists.
However, Mr. Yousufi expressed regret that many journalists join the association during times of unemployment but tend to abandon it once they secure positions in major institutions. Today, several of the association’s former members serve as editors of national newspapers and hold senior positions in leading organizations.
