ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Environment has announced Green Journalist Award for the working journalists to encourage them to play active role for raising awareness on environmental issues and to promote healthy competition among them for raising awareness on environmental issues. The Award would comprise an Acknowledgment Shield and varying amount of Cash Award for different categories.

These awards would be given on eve of the World Environment Day on June 05, however, as already announced (in the calendar of activities for the National Year of Environment 2009) excellence award would be given in December to the journalists showing good performance for highlighting the environmental issues during National Year of Environment 2009.

The Ministry of Environment has requested the journalists working on environment to furnish three (3) best entries of their published articles/ features, news, photograph and telecasted/ broadcasted news/documentaries regarding the environment during the period of the June 06, 2008 to May 15, 2009 through their organizations not latter than 21st of this month. The journalists may submit their entries to the Deputy Director (Media) of the Ministry in the Local Government and Rural Development Complex, G-5/2, Islamabad .

The Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi speaking in this connection has said that to bring a visible improvement in the rapidly deteriorating quality of air, water and land, to mitigate the effects of climate change, deforestation, industrial pollution, vehicular pollution, problems related to water and sanitation, solid waste management, energy conservation, rehabilitation of failing ecosystems, wetlands and other challenges in the Environment sector of Pakistan, it is necessary to create awareness in the general public and make them aware of the pressing concerns by dissemination of information on environmental degradation through means of mass communication particularly through print and electronic media.

The Minister said that the general trend in the past, the environment had been the least focused area in the media. That is why engaging media, in special reference to National Year of Environment, has become imperative to give proper coverage to environmental issues. NNI

Association of Pakistani Lawyers a team of Pakistani origin lawyers, Solicitors, Barristers, Judges in UK jointly condemn the killing of a senior journalist Raja Asad Hameed of Nation and Nawa e Waqt who was shot dead in an ambush outside his home town Rawalpindi on 26 March. Our thoughts are with those who lost their loved one and APL demands justice with the Daily Nation’s Senior Reporter Raja Asad Hameed as well as many others who either lost their lives during their call of duty, or their livelihood due to atmosphere of harassment and intimidation requiring them to operate self censorship.

APL endorses and encourages freedom of expression, tolerance as enshrined in Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution and considers the right of people of free speech as inalienable. We had supported all journalists when they were under threat post 9th March 2007 and in particular after imposition of emergency post 3rd November 2007, and we reiterate our stand and uphold our tradition and values of supporting a free press and electronic media in Pakistan today.

APL strongly supports the call for the rights of free media and the protection of journalists in Pakistan, who are doing a great job in difficult circumstances keeping people informed. We observe that Govt of the day bears the responsibility to initiate a positive legislatory work through mutual consultation(s) on policy to refine and translate media growth in Pakistan into a partnership of understanding of each other’s constitutional roles in a friendly atmosphere where fair transfer of information, professional development, policy on protection, and regulation of the institution takes place in an independent and impartial manner, and at least civilian Govt of the day operating on the name of people of Pakistan is expected to discourage policy of buying loyalties of senior journalists, intimidation, harassment and any blanket instructions requiring men of honour to operate self censorship. Discouragemnet on such issues is the key to curb yellow journalism, in order to promote impartial media freedom. APL further observe that Media anchors must also show restraint and responsibility and impartiality is maintained throughout as per their professional duty. Media plays a pivotal role in any nation’s development and with limited resources and meagre financial packages Pak media is playing that role marvellously without denying that room for improvement is always there, and that is so even in the West.

APL urges the administration of Pakistan, in particular capital to provide additional security to employees of electronic & print media & APL encourages other members of civil society to step forward and lend their support in the time of need to Pakistani media and support and protect journalist community in this difficult times. APL confirmed that they will raise the issue of protection of journalist s with Commonwealth press union (CPU), journalist committee in UK (PJA), local press clubs, National Union of Journalist (NUJ) to foster relations between both societies for better understanding of their rights as ‘professionals’ and their responsibilities under the circumstances.

We all demand the Govt of Pakistan a fair treatment and protection of journalists belonging to print or electronic media as this is not the first incident and demand that the culprits behind these threats, harassment, assassinations, and targeted killings are brought to justice in a limited time frame.

NEW YORK:: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Sunday condemned Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for imposing a ban on media, accusing him of “intolerable interference” in press freedom.

The IFJ welcomed the resignation of Information Minister Sherry Rehman and warned that President’s action would undermine the reputation of his government. “The President is guilty of the most intolerable interference in press freedom,” Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, said.

“Her offer to resign shows a degree of principle in a tawdry incident that casts a shadow over the good name of the governing Pakistan People’s Party,” he added. Rehman decided to quit over differences on the government’s handling of the media.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: The resignation of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman from the office of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcast has been accepted. According to private TV, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira has been given an additional charge of Ministry of Information and Broadcast, the channel said.

The decision to accept Sherry’s resignation was decided at a meeting between Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari held here Saturday. However, a spokesman of PM House told that channel that the resignation of Ms Rehman has not been accepted and PM Gilani has asked her to continue her services as Minister for Information and Broadcast till further orders.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sherry Rehman formally tendered her resignation in her meeting with PM held early today in protest of blockade of some news channels by the government that is widely being termed as crackdown against the media.-SANA

I dnow know why i was thinking of Him for past several weeks. Believe it or not i searched his number in my contacts list yesterday night but it was my lethargic attitude that devoid me of calling or emailing him; my friends know it is very unlike me; i reach to friends and mentors in time of clicking fingers.

Mr. Azhar Massod broke this news that he passed away today of prostrate cancer in a Washington hospital and he was sad for losing a mentor. His cancer was treatable and doctors were hopeful and it was determined to carry out surgery to remove the cancer and doctors said that he would be able to recover and lead a restricted life of 3 to 4 years after the surgery. However Three days ago, Mr. Khalid Hasan caught pneumonia and his lungs collapsed, led him to death.

I had no opportunity to meet Mr. Khalid Hasan but i had long conversations with him on phone and exchange of emails. My friend Azhar Masood introduced me with Mr. Khlid Hasan while i was to visit Washington DC in 2008 to attend a course “Women and Entrepreneurship” under US International Visitors leadership Program. Besides He is a man of letters and an outstanding journalist of the old school he was a man of characters also.

I found few of his emails in my in box that i could not restrain myself from quoting those because my all perception about him is based on these emails and tele-phonic conversations. He was so quick on responding emails that he wrote me very first time saying:

Dear Rabab,

You are wearing more hats on your head than I can count. I had an exchange with Ms. Chibber and in fact she interviewed me once for her ejournal. Please phone me on my mobile when you arrive (703)981-2727. I look forward to meeting you.

Khalid Hasan

I learnt networking is very important in America on every level and acquaintances become strong references. I found Mr. Khalid Hasan adept at art of promoting people and building networks; when he introduced me to Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan. On Eid i called him to wish and he disclosed that PML-N MNA from Gujranwala is visiting him. On Khurram’s return Mr. Khalid Hasan very kindly emailed Engr. Khurram Dastagir Khan to introduce me to him and he wrote:

Dear Khan Sahib,

You recall my mentioning a very bright young girl from Gujranwala who visited Washington some months ago on a State Department invitation. She lives in Gujranwala and you should be in touch with her as he is most enterprising and very Internet-savvy. Her name is Rubab Saleem and her email is rubab.saleem@gmail.com
Khalid Hasan

Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:12 AM

We could not see each other in Washington DC because of tough schedules on both sides but he promised to visit me at Gujranwala to eat Chirras and Tikkas (Special and famous BBQ from Gujranwala). On basis of his words i dared writing him

dear Khalid sahib!
I am sure we will see each other at my place also in Gujranwala; Pakistan. I am sure you would not refuse Khurram Dastgeer sahib’s CHIRA TIKKA Lunch/Dinner, you can have Sumptuous Tea at my place with home made cakes and other delicious recipes of samosa, dehi baray, jalaibi; you might have been missing or only recalling these as unhealthy and full of calories.( ha ha ha)

hoping to hear from you and Khurram sahib.. thank you once again
Best regards
Love from Pakistan

Rubab Saleem

He was so humble and down to earth that on being addressed as “Respected” and “celebrity” he asked me not to..

Dear Rubab,

Do please not use “respected” and “celebrity” when referring to this most humble person. There is no need to do that and I really mean it.
Khalid Hasan

Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 10:13 AM

When people depart; leave us recalling sweet memories attached to them; we realize how important there presence and guidance would have been. The void their absence created can not be filled ever. May Allah higher his grades and give patience to the family of bereave bear the lose ameen

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman has congratulated the Progressive Panel led by Shehryar Khan over winning the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Elections for 2009.

The minister assures the newly elected Progressive Panel of the Government’s cooperation for promotion of Journalists’ well being. Welcoming the newly elected office bearers, the Federal Information Minister expressed hope that they would come up to the expectations of their fellow journalists as their election was an evidence of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the fellow colleagues.

Sherry Rehman reiterated the Government’s commitment for the promotion of the interests of the Journalist community and said that the government would continue to work in close coordination with (RIUJ) and other Journalist bodies for creating better working conditions for the Journalists.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal has congratulated the Journalist Panel led by Tariq Chaudhry over winning the National Press Club (NPC) Annual Elections for 2009.

The Secretary assures the newly elected Journalist Panel of Government’s cooperation for promotion of Journalists’ safety and wellbeing. Welcoming the newly elected office bearers, Secretary Information expressed the hope that they would continue to strive for the welfare of the journalist community.

He further reiterated the Government’s commitment for the promotion of the interests of the journalist community. “We would extend full cooperation to the newly elected panel and we wish to work in close association with them for creating better working conditions for the journalists” , he added.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Journalist Panel won the National Press Club elections with a huge majority. Tariq Chaudhry was elected as President National Press Club after bagging 687 votes while, Afzal Butt bagged 797 votes for the post of Secretary meanwhile, Asim Ali Rana was elected Secretary Finance after securing 685 votes.

Jamil Mirza was elected Senior Vice President of the Press Club after securing 613 votes while Aroosa Alam and Waheed Shikh secured 606 and 501 votes respectively for the posts of Vice Presidents. Abdul Kahlid Khattak, Javed Baloch and Nasir Chishti were elected as Joint Secretaries of the press club after securing 650, 589 and 593 votes respectively.

Governing body members who were elected in the election are included Akmal Shahzad, Akram Abid Qureshi, Dastar Ali Shah, Ijaz Hussain Malik, Faisal Hakim, Habibur Rehman, Imran Yaqoob Dhilon, Ishaq Chaudhry, Khurram Butt, Raja Asad Hameed, Shafiq Khan, Shah Alam, Sohail Shahzad, Sohail Yaqoob Khan and Yasin Jonejo.

All the members of journalist panel were elected for the next term of National Press Club in the result of 31st December election. Polling was started at 10:45 am to 8: 45 pm during the election the enthusiasm of the journalists was of worth seeing as 1091 members polled their votes from 1296 total members of the Rawalpindi/ Islamabad Press Club.

Journalist panel and liberal democratic panel were contesting the press club election and polling was held in the new building of National Press Club in Islamabad.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman has said that the government is committed to the protection of journalists, and there would be no violation of media freedom and independence in the PPP Government’s term.

“The fundamental difference between an authoritarian system and a democratic structure is that democracies endeavor to strengthen institutions that support a representative order. The current democratic government would neither supervise nor would allow any action that violates public’s right to freedom of information< /blockquote> ” said Ms Sherry Rehman commenting on a report analyzing media freedom in Pakistan in year 2008.

“At any given point, the state-media relations are determined by the state’s commitment to the fundamental and democratic rights of the citizens. Unfortunately, in the past years, the element of distrust has largely dominated the state-media equation. Our government is committed to dismantle structures that support violence against media for political gains. We wish to build trust between institutions and one of the most important steps in this regard is the revocation of all anti-media laws and reiteration of our media freedom commitment through policy actions.”

Ms Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan cannot afford to allow regressive forces to influence and manipulate the systems of the state. “It is our collective responsibility to fight the elements that seek to undermine our democratic aspirations. The Pakistani nation has paid a heavy price for the restoration of democracy and the state as well as the media must counter forces that have repeatedly trampled our constitutional rights. On February 18, we all pledged our support for democracy. We have a responsibility to the country as well as to ourselves to safeguard and promote structures that make democracy a sustainable system in Pakistan. I would urge all journalists who feel threatened to get in touch with the ministry. “

Expressing her government’s resolve to protect the right to freedom of information, the Federal Information Minister said that the media must work with the government to fight the anti-media forces.

“It is the responsibility of the state to provide protection to the media. After years of authoritarian interventions, Pakistan finally has a government that is committed to investing in media freedom. The government and the media must work together to strengthen a culture of tolerance, understanding, and free and responsible information flow as we both have stakes in an independent media environment.”-SANA

SRINAGAR: A police contingent of around eight men from Police Station Kothibagh raided Kashmir Newsline office, barging into newsroom and other rooms. The policemen launched a swift ’search operation’ taking with them all the copies of of Kashmir Newsline and every CD they could lay their hands on.

Shabir Hussain, editor of Kashmir Newsline has termed the raid as shocking and said that the administration is discouraging fair journalism in occupied Kashmir by suppressive tactics. “We’re not the first newspaper office to be raided but this highly deplorable ploy of the state government has assumed such dangerous proportions that the journalist fraternity needs to sit down and try to find a way out,” said the editor.-SANA