By: Dilshad Hadi
Islamabad : The 4thpillar Media Watchdog, under the leadership of Chairman Farooq Mirza and President Farhat Fatima, hosted a grand dinner at Islamabad Hotel in honor of the newly elected leadership of the APP Employees Union and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists .
The event was presided over by senior journalist Khushnood Ali Khan.
The purpose of the gathering was to strengthen professional relations among journalists, promote constructive dialogue on contemporary media challenges, and provide an effective platform for meaningful discussions on matters of national importance, particularly the issue of Kashmir.
A large number of senior journalists, media professionals, civil society representatives, legal experts, and distinguished personalities from various fields attended the event. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Mushaal Malik. Other notable participants included Nooreen Farooq Khan, Sabeeha Malik, Razia Sultana (daughter of a prominent Kashmiri leader), Advocate Mian Khurram Joya, Mian Jazakhullah, Dilshad Hadi, Sadiq Nayyar, Aamir Niazi, and Youth Journalists Association Chairman Yousaf Khan.
Other attendees included Shamaila Nooreen, Sanam Jonejo, Anila Bashir, Tariq Chaudhry, Sohail Iqbal Cheema, Naseer Elahi, Tahir Nadeem, Muhammad Nawaz Raza, Rana Kausar Ali, Khawar Nawaz Raja, Syed Qaisar Abbas, Razaaq Bhatti, Mirza Quddus, Ata-ur-Rehman Tahir, Iqbal Awan, Owais Latif, Younas Baig, and several other members of the journalistic community.
In her address, Mushaal Malik stated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an internationally recognized issue that requires continued attention from the global community. She emphasized that the media plays a key role in highlighting the suffering of the Kashmiri people and the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
She further stressed the importance of responsible and impartial journalism in raising awareness about the Kashmir issue and praised the efforts of journalists and media organizations in this regard.
Chairman Farooq Mirza, in his speech, said that it is the professional responsibility of journalists to ensure fact-based, balanced, and responsible reporting on issues of national and international importance, especially the Kashmir dispute. He added that the 4thpillar Media Watchdog will continue its efforts to promote journalistic values, media freedom, and the protection of national interests.
President Farhat Fatima stated that the organization’s core objective is to strengthen meaningful connections between journalists, civil society, and relevant stakeholders to collectively find effective solutions to challenges faced by the media industry. She reaffirmed the commitment to continue such initiatives in the future for the professional development of journalists and the promotion of national awareness.
Speakers collectively agreed that a free, independent, and responsible media plays a fundamental role in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting informed public discourse, and safeguarding the public’s right to information. They also stressed the need for unity, cooperation, and professional harmony within the journalistic community.
Participants highly appreciated the efforts of the 4thpillar Media Watchdog for bringing journalists, civil society, and other stakeholders together on a single platform to promote constructive dialogue on national and professional issues. They noted that such activities contribute significantly to improving journalistic standards, strengthening media advocacy, and raising public awareness on important national matters.
At the conclusion of the event, President PFUJ Haji Nawaz Raza, President RIUJ Rana Kausar Ali, President APP Employees Union Tariq Chaudhry, Vice President Shamaila Nooreen, and Chairperson Women Chamber of Commerce Samina Fazal thanked 4thpillar Media Watchdog President Farhat Fatima and Chairman Farooq Mirza.
They also expressed their commitment to continue strong cooperation and joint initiatives with the 4thpillar Media Watchdog in the future.
Senior journalist Khushnood Ali Khan said that in Pakistan, those who play the most important roles often do not receive the recognition they deserve, while others sometimes seek undue credit for successes. Referring to Pakistan–India tensions and the Kashmir issue, he argued that national matters should be approached with realism rather than personal publicity or political point-scoring. He maintained that if institutions and individuals were acknowledged fairly for their contributions and attention remained focused on the core objectives instead of self-promotion, there could be more effective progress on national issues. He also stressed that the Kashmiri struggle for freedom should be pursued in its true spirit and kept free from unnecessary political interference.
