The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists held a successful General Body meeting chaired by President Tariq Ali Work, where members praised the union’s year-long efforts to protect journalists and media workers. The assembly unanimously approved both the annual performance report and the finance report, underscoring broad support for the union’s direction and transparency.
President Tariq Ali Work told members that sustained struggle, legal action and effective representation resulted in payments exceeding Rs 7.7 billion secured for journalists and media workers through ITNE, a milestone outcome that was repeatedly welcomed during the meeting. The focus on RIUJ dues has reinforced the union’s mandate to defend the economic rights of media staff across the capital region.
Acting General Secretary Gulzar Khan presented the comprehensive annual performance report, detailing protest movements, judicial and parliamentary advocacy, efforts to prevent forced layoffs and welfare activities. Finance Secretary Bashir Usmani (presenting the finances) briefed the house on transparent administrative measures and the union’s financial standing, after which both reports received unanimous endorsement.
Speakers included PFUJ President Afzal Butt, former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, Fauzia Shahid, Islamabad Press Club President Azhar Jatoi and a number of current and former RIUJ office-bearers who highlighted ongoing campaigns such as the struggle against the PECA Act and interventions to address issues at locations including New Town Police Station. Participants paid tribute to the RIUJ team for practical initiatives to safeguard press freedom and journalists’ dignity.
A large gathering of senior journalists attended the meeting, with names such as Waqar Abbasi, Kashan Akmal, Zaman Mughal, Javed Bhagat, Qurban Satti, Kashif Rafiq, Sardar Shahid and many others present to show solidarity. In closing, President Tariq Ali Work thanked the office-bearers and executive members by name and noted that members expressed full confidence in the leadership, reaffirming their commitment to continue the collective struggle for press freedom and enforcement of RIUJ dues for media workers.
