Senior journalists unite under new leadership to promote Pakistan’s positive image in UK

LONDON: Senior Pakistani journalists based in the United Kingdom have elected a new leadership for Pakistan Press Club UK International (PPCUK International), pledging to strengthen professional journalism, project Pakistan’s positive image abroad and work closely with the British Pakistani diaspora.

Senior journalist Azhar Javaid, has been elected as Chairman of the organisation, which represents Pakistani journalists working for leading television channels, newspapers and digital media platforms across the UK.

The newly elected office bearers include Haseeb Arsalan (Vice Chairman), Shaukat Dar (President), Irfan ul Haq (Senior Vice President), Nasim Siddiqi (Vice President), Safina Khan (General Secretary), Syed Sibtain Ali (Information Secretary), Amna Chaudhry (Joint Secretary), Zulfiqar Ali (Additional Secretary) and Pervez Iqbal (Finance Secretary).

Senior official and Press Minister at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Ali Nawaz Malik, congratulated the newly elected office bearers and praised UK-based Pakistani journalists for promoting Pakistan’s soft image internationally.

He said Pakistani journalists serving in Britain were ambassadors of Pakistan and had made valuable contributions by highlighting the country’s achievements and keeping the diaspora informed.

Ali Nawaz Malik assured the Pakistan High Commission’s full cooperation in facilitating journalists in the discharge of their professional responsibilities. He said the mission looked forward to working closely with the new leadership of PPCUK International.

Chairman Azhar Javaid said the organisation would uphold the highest standards of journalism, promote professional ethics and strengthen unity among Pakistani journalists in Britain.

He said the club would continue to serve as a credible platform for journalists while highlighting Pakistan’s achievements and promoting the country’s soft image internationally through responsible and balanced reporting.

Vice Chairman Haseeb Arsalan said Pakistan needed a stronger and more positive international image at a crucial time.

“At this moment, Pakistan needs a stronger positive image across the world. Our organisation will work closely with the Pakistani diaspora overseas to promote the country’s achievements and present a balanced and constructive narrative about Pakistan.”

President Shaukat Dar welcomed the unity shown by the media community, saying it was encouraging to see senior and working journalists from different organisations coming together on one platform.

“The strength of this organisation lies in the fact that experienced and working journalists are united under one umbrella for the collective benefit of the profession and the community.”

General Secretary Safina Khan said the newly elected team was committed to serving both Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Britain.

“We will work for Pakistan and act as a bridge between Pakistan, the Pakistani diaspora and media institutions, while promoting professional journalism and positive engagement.”

Founded more than a decade ago, Pakistan Press Club UK International represents Pakistani journalists across the United Kingdom and provides a platform for professional collaboration, networking and advocacy on issues affecting the media fraternity.