- The elections were marked by a high level of inclusivity, as six women candidates were successful in securing their positions, indicating a positive advancement in gender representation within the Union.
Karachi – The annual elections for the Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor) witnessed a historic turnout this Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s democratic process. For the first time in the Union’s history, a record number of voters participated, leading to a landmark victory for the Friends panel, which secured 10 out of the 17 contested seats. The Democrats panel followed closely, winning 7 seats.
Election Results and Highlights
Hamidur Rahman Awan from the Democrats panel emerged victorious in the presidential race, securing 327 votes. His opponent, Ahmed Darez Khan of the Friends panel, garnered 257 votes. This close contest underscored the competitive spirit of the election.
For the two vice-presidential seats, Asim Bhatti of the Democrats panel and Kafiluddin Faizan of the Friends panel each secured 333 votes, ensuring their positions in the Union’s leadership. The treasurer’s seat saw Wakil Rahman of the Friends panel triumph with 342 votes, while Syed Bilal Tahir of the Democrats panel received 228 votes.
In the race for the Secretary position, Syed Nabil Akhtar of the Democrats panel was declared successful with 283 votes, narrowly defeating Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi of the Friends panel, who obtained 269 votes. The Joint Secretary seats were claimed by Hamad Hussain of the Democrats panel with 320 votes and Sohail Rab Khan of the Friends panel with 270 votes.
Women’s Significant Role
The elections were notably inclusive, with six women candidates winning their respective positions, marking a progressive step for gender representation within the Union.
Governing Body Seats
For the 9 seats on the member governing body, the Friends panel dominated by winning 6 seats:
- Kashmala Najeeb: 349 votes
- Arshi Abbas: 305 votes
- Faizan Khanzada: 286 votes
- Rabab Ibrahim: 289 votes
- Ali Sher (Mansoor Khokhar): 296 votes
- Mehwish Raza: 290 votes
The Democrats panel secured the remaining 3 seats:
- Misbah Laghari: 297 votes
- Raja Imran: 289 votes
- Anam Razak: 302 votes
Election Day Dynamics
The polling, which took place at the Karachi Press Club, ran smoothly from 9 am to 5 pm without any interruptions. A total of 629 members of the Karachi Union of Journalists exercised their right to vote, making it a day of vibrant democratic engagement. Voters were required to present their KYU cards to cast their ballots, ensuring the integrity of the election process.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 Karachi Union of Journalists election stands out not only for its high voter turnout but also for its significant strides towards gender equality and democratic participation. The Friends panel’s majority win highlights the dynamic political landscape within the Union, promising a robust and representative leadership for the upcoming term.
The results signal a promising future for the Karachi Union of Journalists, as the newly elected members prepare to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.