**Raoulpindi-Islamabad Journalists’ Association Elects New Leadership in Annual Polls**
The Raoulpindi-Islamabad Bureau Journalists’ Association (RBJA) announced the results of its annual elections, confirming the re-election of reigning President Gulam Murtaza Malik for a second term. The election results also saw the appointment of new office bearers and members to the governing body, with industry veterans emphasizing the importance of advocating for journalists’ rights amidst challenging media environment.
Gulam Murtaza Malik was re-elected as the President of RBJA, expressing gratitude to the members for their continued support. Addressing the gathering, Malik highlighted his commitment to addressing the issues faced by journalists and announced plans for restructuring the organization based on scientific principles to better face upcoming challenges. Similarly, Muhammad Fayyaz Chaudhry was elected as the General Secretary, emphasizing the association’s dedication to pursuing its future goals.
In the new leadership team, Syed Zaher Shah Kazmi was chosen as Secretary for Finance, while Raheel Nawaz Swati, Asad Mahmood Chauhdry, Niaz Haidari, and Manzor Sahlerya took on roles as Vice Presidents. The joint secretaries include Shakeel Puswal, Aamir Lashari, Adnan Mubarak, and Babar Hussain. For women’s representation, Nazia Altaf was selected as Joint Secretary, and Jamil Ahmad Malik was appointed Secretary for Information. The election also saw the election of 20 members to the governing body, including prominent journalists such as Sardar Shaukat Mahmood Malik, Sadiq Iwan, Ijaz Abbasi, and others, aiming to strengthen the association’s influence and advocacy efforts.
The election process was overseen by senior journalist and Election Committee Chairman Mahboob-ur-Rehman Tanoli, who officially announced the results during a formal ceremony held at the National Press Club. The event was attended by notable figures including former government minister and Pasban-e-Watan Party President Tahir Khokhar, Hazara Journalist Association President Syed Luqman Shah, and other journalists from the twin cities, reflecting widespread industry support.
In his address, newly elected President Gulam Murtaza Malik thanked the members for re-electing him and assured them of his dedication to serving their interests. Malik emphasized his awareness of the issues confronting the media sector and vowed to organize the association scientifically to meet future challenges. Former RBJA President Sardar Shaukat Mahmood Malik also spoke, highlighting the ongoing struggle for journalists’ rights, especially in the current difficult media environment marked by the enactment of restrictive laws like the Peca Act. He stressed that all journalistic organizations need to unite and work together to safeguard press freedom and journalists’ rights in these trying times.
The successful election underscores a determined effort by the journalist community to strengthen their collective voice, particularly at a time when the Pakistani media faces significant legal and political challenges. The new leadership has pledged to advocate vigorously for media rights and to navigate the evolving landscape with resilience and strategic planning.
