KARACHI: Journalists and trade union leaders on Monday paid a rich tributes to central leader of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Ahfaz Ur Rahman in his first death anniversary. The anniversary function was organized by Sahafi Mazdoor Action Committee, Ahbab-e-Ahfaz Rahman and Karachi Press Club at the KPC.
KPC President Fazil Jamili presided over the event. Other speakers included Dr. Jaffar Ahmed, Nasir Mansoor, General Secretary of National Trade Unions Federation (NTUF), Ms. Zehra Khan, General Secretary of Home based Women Workers Federation, General Secretaries of their factions of Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) Barna Aajiz Jamali and Faheem Siddiqui, Vice Chairman of Human Rights Commission Khizar Qazi.
Fatima Hassan, Momin Khan Momin read out poetry of Ahfaz. Usman Jamae recited his poetry for Ahfaz. Young artist Shahryar recited poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Mirza Maqsood Ahmed of Pakistan Steel Mills Joint Action Committee underlined the need for a joint struggle for workers rights.
Fazil Jamili recalled his association with Ahfaz Ur Rahman during journalists struggle. Dr. Jaffar Ahmed, former Director of Pakistan Study Centre said late Ahfaz was perfectionist who was very particular in correct spelling in editing. “You can see his perfectionism during movement for right to press during dictatorship of General Ziaul Haq.”
Mahnaz Rahman, wife of Ahfazur Rahman said the labour movement is facing problems and there is a need for unity. Dr. Jabbar Khattak, Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) said right to information is not available to the people in Pakistan. Media is facing pressure because the exploitative forces are using the latest technology whereas workers are not able to use it.