Chairman AJK Press Foundation Emphasizes Welfare Measures for Kashmiri Journalists

Bhimber Azad Kashmir (Azadi Times): In a meeting of the Board of Governors held at Jundi Chontra Rest House, Chairman Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation, Justice Sardar Liaquat Hussain, underscored the foundation’s commitment to the welfare of journalists. He highlighted the institution’s special initiatives for the education and health of the members’ children.

Justice Sardar Liaquat Hussain elaborated on the foundation’s comprehensive support system, which includes provisions for families in the event of a member’s death, support for dependent children, disease treatment, and substantial assistance in cases of disability, aligning with modern requirements. He acknowledged the contributions of the Ex-Chairman Foundation and founding members, as well as the dedicated efforts of DG Information Raja Azhar Qeebbal and the Board of Governors.

Praising Raja Azhar Qeebbal as a philanthropic and compassionate figure, Justice Sardar Liaquat Hussain warned that any member propagating against the foundation on social media would face suspension and disciplinary action. He encouraged members to bring forward their suggestions, complaints, and issues through the DG Information/Secretary Foundation and Vice-Chairman for prompt and fair resolution.

To address pending legal cases, legal advisors will be appointed at the division level, and a financial audit of the foundation will be conducted. Justice Sardar Liaquat Hussain urged journalists to continue their education and research to enhance factual reporting in line with modern standards.

DG Information Special Secretary Finance and Vice Chairman provided a detailed briefing during the meeting. Key attendees included Secretary Press Foundation/DG Information Raja Azhar Qeebbal, Special Secretary Finance Azad Kashmir Rashid Hanif, Vice Chairman Syedabar Hussain Shah, SDM Chaudhry Ahmad Subhani, and Board of Governors members from all districts.

Raja Azhar Qeebbal welcomed participants and presented an overview. The meeting addressed several critical issues such as member benefits, treatment and education cost increases, profitable fund investments, the establishment of a Scrutiny Committee for foundation member categories, travel allowances for the Vice Chairman and members, creation of foundation posts, synchronization of press club elections, and compliance of registered press clubs with regulations.

The session also included recommendations from district members of BOJ regarding voter/member issues, residential colonies, and investment strategies in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad to fortify the foundation. Notable participants included former Vice Chairman Chaudhry Amjad, Shahzad Ahmad Rathore from Islamabad, Shahzad Khan from Islamabad, Khalid Mahmood Chaudhry from Mirpur, Nasir Sharif Butt from Bhimber, Hayat Awan from Neelum, Zahid Bashir from Poonch, Sardar Ejaz Palindri, and Shaukat Ali Khokhar from Kotli.