Naeem Hanif elected PUJ president for third consecutive term

LAHORE (RNN TV) —  Senior journalist Naeem Hanif has been elected president of the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) for a third consecutive term. Qamar Bhatti was elected secretary, while other members of the newly elected body also secured their respective positions.

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and extended her best wishes to Mr Hanif, Mr Bhatti, and their team. In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister acknowledged the PUJ’s longstanding role in advocating press freedom and protecting journalists’ professional rights.

“The Punjab Union of Journalists has a proud history of struggle for freedom of the press and the welfare of journalists,” Ms Bokhari said, adding that the union had consistently played a frontline role in highlighting issues faced by the media community and representing journalists during challenging times.

She reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to journalists’ safety and well-being, stating that measures were being pursued to address concerns related to professional security and welfare. “The Punjab government is taking serious steps for the protection, welfare, and facilitation of journalists,” she said.

Referring to the provincial leadership’s priorities, Ms Bokhari said that the journalist community remained an important focus of the government’s policy framework. She expressed the hope that the PUJ’s newly elected leadership would continue to work with dedication and professionalism for the advancement of journalistic values and the resolution of issues confronting media practitioners.

Ms Bokhari also voiced optimism that the new body would contribute positively towards strengthening democratic norms and promoting responsible journalism in the province.