The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Pakistan Film and TV Journalists Association was held at the Karachi Press Club, bringing together journalists, artists and prominent figures from Pakistan’s film, television and stage industries.
Governor Sindh Syed Nihal Hashmi attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while senior journalist Mahmood Sham presided over the event. Veteran film actor Mustafa Qureshi was the guest of honour.
Governor Nihal Hashmi and Mahmood Sham jointly administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers, including President Dr. Huma Mir, Chairman Athar Javed Sufi, Vice Chairman Abdul Wasee Qureshi, General Secretary S.M. Shakir, Vice President Muhammad Nasir, Sarwat Jabeen, Treasurer Naeem Habib, Information Secretary Waseem Khan, Joint Secretary Syed Karam Ali Shah, Sahar Hassan, Social Secretary Mustafa Mallah, and members of the Managing Committee.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Hamid Mehmood Al-Hussaini.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sindh Nihal Hashmi said the role of the media, particularly film and television journalists, is important for preserving Pakistan’s civilization, culture and artistic heritage.
He congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and said journalists working in the field of entertainment should continue serving as custodians of art and culture. He also noted that the presence of prominent personalities such as Mahmood Sham and Mustafa Qureshi demonstrated the close relationship between journalism and the arts.
The association presented shields to Governor Sindh Nihal Hashmi and senior journalist Mahmood Sham during the ceremony.
Mahmood Sham Pays Tribute to Film Journalists
Senior journalist Mahmood Sham said film and television journalists have played an important role in promoting art and culture in Pakistan.
He described the pen as a powerful force that helps preserve cultural traditions and paid tribute to journalists from Karachi to Lahore who, he said, made significant contributions to film journalism in different eras and helped the film and television industry reach new heights.
Commenting on the election process, Mahmood Sham noted that being elected unopposed is generally not considered ideal, but added that when there is no opposing candidate, there is little that can be done.
Mustafa Qureshi Highlights 40-Year Association
Veteran film star Mustafa Qureshi said he has maintained a 40-year association with film and television journalists.
He praised the association for continuing its work despite limited resources and without government support. Qureshi said the government should support such organizations because journalists play an important role in bringing the work of artists before the public.
MQM MPA Muhammad Shariq Jamal said that although his party is currently in opposition, it would continue supporting journalists wherever possible.
GM PTV Karachi Centre Syed Amjad Hussain Shah said the efforts of journalists would never go to waste and praised the Pakistan Film and TV Journalists Association for consistently contributing to the promotion of art and culture.
New Leadership Pledges to Promote Art and Journalism
Newly elected President Dr. Huma Mir described her election as an honour and said her journey from acting to journalism had been a rewarding experience.
She pledged to fulfil her responsibilities to the best of her abilities, adding that the association would work on artists’ welfare and address challenges faced by its members.
General Secretary S.M. Shakir said the Pakistan Film and TV Journalists Association has been working for the development of the film industry for four decades. He expressed disappointment that successive governments had not taken practical steps to support the organization.
Shakir thanked Governor Sindh Nihal Hashmi, Mahmood Sham, Mustafa Qureshi and other guests for attending the ceremony and expressed hope that the governor would convey the association’s concerns to the government.
Hizbullah Memon, singer M. Ibrahim and actor Saleem Afridi also addressed the gathering. The ceremony was conducted by Agha Shirazi.
A large number of journalists, artists and media personalities attended the event, including members of the association’s election committee, representatives of the Karachi Union of Journalists and prominent figures from the film, television and cultural community.