NNP Islamabad The Pakistan Newspapers and Electronic Media Employees Confederation Local (EPNIC) successfully conducted its elections, resulting in the unopposed selection of all office bearers. Rana Rizwan Arshad was elected as the Local Chairman, and Muhammad Shiraz Khan as the General Secretary, marking a new chapter for media professionals in Pakistan.
The election process was overseen by Senior Supreme Court lawyer Saeed Khurshid Ahmed and Election Commission members Farhat Fatima and Azhar Sultan, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.
Key Resolutions Passed
During the event, two significant resolutions were unanimously approved:
- Formation of the 9th Wage Board: Aimed at improving the financial conditions of media workers.
- Journalist Protection Commission: A call for its immediate establishment, with a demand to include media workers in its framework. Concerns were also raised about recent media legislation introduced without industry consultation.
Dignitaries and Participants
Prominent journalists from across the globe attended the event, including Farooq Mirza (USA), Shiraz Gilani (Germany), Arshad Khattak, and Rizwan Minhas (USA), who traveled specifically to participate. Speeches were delivered by Kaleem Shamim, Farooq Mirza, Shiraz Gilani, and Subiya Khan, emphasizing the unity and rights of media professionals.
Office Bearers Elected
Alongside the Chairman and General Secretary, the following positions were filled:
- Senior Vice Chairman: Atiqur Rahman (DAN)
- Vice Chairmen: Aqeel Ahmed (The News), Basharat Iqbal, Fauzia Kulsoom Rana (Female)
- Additional General Secretary: Irfan Bukhari
- Joint Secretaries: Chaudhry Khalid Kamboh and Inayat Khan
Executive Council Members
The executive council comprises Liaqat Ali, Muhammad Tahir Rana, Subiya Khan, Azhar Latif, Muhammad Hafeez, Muhammad Sultan, Khalid Sheikh, Syed Ghulam Murtaza, Malik Usman, Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Ramadan, Ishtiaq Abbasi, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Yasir Mahmood, Fayaz Ahmed, Naqi Abbas, and Liaqat Sameer.
This election has reinforced the collective strength of media employees, with attendees expressing hope that these developments will pave the way for safeguarding their rights and ensuring their voices are heard.
