PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir firmly believes in freedom of the press & expression: Shah Ghulam Qadir

ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (SABAH): President of PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Shah Ghulam Qadir, emphasized that PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir firmly believes in freedom of the press and expression.

He highlighted that media development positively impacts society and acknowledged the leading role of state media in covering the Kashmir freedom movement. He congratulated the daily Neel Fairy Muzaffarabad on completing eight successful years of publication, praising its commitment to the Kashmir cause.

He expressed these views while addressing the eighth anniversary celebration of the daily Neel Fairy at Heaven Heights Islamabad. Alongside Chief Editor Nisar Ahmed Kayani, who is also the Secretary Information of the All Kashmir Newspapers Society, and senior journalists, Shah Ghulam Qadir cut the anniversary cake. The event was hosted by former President of Anjuman Tajran Sitara Market Islamabad, Syed Altaf Hussain Shah.

The ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including President of Kashmir Journalists Forum Irfan Saduzai, Senior Vice President Muhammad Iqbal Awan, Chief Editor of Parliament Times Chaudhry Javed Iqbal, Central Deputy Secretary Information PML-N Raja Sher Afgan Khan, and several other political and journalistic figures. The attendees appreciated the significant role of newspapers published from Azad Kashmir in bringing global attention to the Kashmir issue, despite adverse conditions.

Shah Ghulam Qadir noted that the history of daily newspapers in Azad Kashmir spans only two decades, evolving from weekly publications. He pledged to advocate for the development of print media on the assembly floor. Commenting on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to occupied Kashmir, he described it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the global community about the region’s realities, accusing the Modi government of promoting false narratives of development while suppressing Kashmiris through military oppression.

He further expressed hope for the eventual dawn of freedom in occupied Kashmir, despite India’s coercive measures. He emphasized that the sacrifices of Kashmiri youth in the freedom struggle make them true heroes, and their mission will be fulfilled.

Chief Editor Nisar Ahmed Kayani highlighted the mission of state newspapers to convey public issues to power corridors and promote the Kashmir freedom movement. He appealed to the government and political parties to address the challenges faced by the print media industry in Azad Kashmir, citing its critical role in informing the world about Kashmir’s current situation.

President of Kashmir Journalists Forum Irfan Saduzai criticized the government for neglecting state newspapers and stressed that ideological journalism continues to thrive in Azad Kashmir despite commercial pressures. He noted that print media commands respect due to the sanctity of the printed word, which remains relevant in society. Saduzai further warned that stifling state newspapers would silence the voice of Kashmiris and hurt the sentiments of the diaspora.

Javed Iqbal Chaudhry, Former Finance Secretary AKNS, elaborated on the media’s role in fostering social and political awareness, promoting freedom, and reflecting societal challenges. He urged the government and political parties to resolve the issues faced by the media industry.

The event concluded with prayers for the departed souls of Deputy Secretary Information PML-N Raja Sher Afgan Khan’s sister and senior journalist Javed Shahzad, as well as for the recovery of Secretary KJF Sardar Aqeel Anjum’s mother. Participants were treated to refreshments at the end of the ceremony