Provincial Minister Shaheena Sher Ali commends Karachi Press Club’s contributions to female empowerment and democracy.
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Karachi: – During a visit to the Karachi Press Club, Sindh’s Provincial Women Development Minister, Shaheena Sher Ali, praised the club’s dedication to promoting the voices of female journalists and its enduring commitment to democratic values. The Karachi Press Club (KPC) has long been a leading force in advocating for press freedom, social justice, and women’s empowerment in journalism. This visit, specially organized to honor female journalists, emphasized KPC’s essential role in Pakistan’s media landscape.
In her remarks, Minister Sher Ali highlighted the historic significance of the Karachi Press Club as the only press club in Pakistan that has provided substantial membership opportunities to women. The club recently established a special Women’s Complex, underscoring the importance of empowering female journalists. “The Karachi Press Club is not just a venue but a center for freedom of expression, democracy, and protection for marginalized voices,” Sher Ali stated. “It is the first institution to speak out when voices are silenced and to stand in solidarity against oppression and injustice.”
The minister’s visit included a warm welcome from key KPC members, including Secretary Shoaib Ahmed, governing body members Shazia Hassan, Mona Siddiqui, and Miraj Fatima, and representatives from the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ). In her opening remarks, Mona Siddiqui expressed pride in welcoming the minister and noted her appreciation for KPC’s unique contributions to promoting positive journalism and supporting the well-being of women in the industry.
Saeed Sarbazi, President of the Karachi Press Club, briefed the minister on the club’s history of defending journalists’ rights and championing democratic values. “KPC has consistently led the charge in standing up for justice and organized efforts to address challenges facing the media,” Sarbazi noted. He also highlighted that six women now serve in KUJ’s governing body, marking a historic achievement in gender representation within the organization.
During the event, KPC Secretary Shoaib Ahmed emphasized the club’s unwavering dedication to the rights and welfare of journalists, particularly women. “The Karachi Press Club has always prioritized creating an inclusive environment, recognizing the critical role of women in shaping media narratives,” Ahmed stated. He added that the Women’s Complex and increased membership opportunities reflect KPC’s commitment to gender equality and fostering a safe, supportive space for female journalists. Ahmed further remarked that KPC is committed to holding programs and initiatives that enhance the skills and visibility of women in journalism, ensuring their contributions are highlighted and valued.
Karachi Press Club has continued to create an inclusive environment for female journalists to thrive. With dedicated spaces, ongoing support, and opportunities for professional growth, KPC’s initiatives have played a vital role in helping women in media feel empowered and secure in their careers.
Minister Shaheena Sher Ali thanked the Karachi Press Club for its dedication and hospitality, promising continued support from the Provincial Development Department to foster opportunities for women journalists. She also acknowledged KPC’s resistance to authoritarianism in the past, calling it a “democratic sanctuary.”
The event concluded with KPC honoring Minister Sher Ali with a shield, an Ajrak, and a bouquet as tokens of gratitude. She expressed eagerness to visit the Karachi Press Club again and reaffirmed her commitment to working alongside KPC to further the progress of women in journalism.
This visit highlights the Karachi Press Club’s continued dedication to promoting female journalists’ rights and reinforcing its role as a pillar of democracy and free speech in Pakistan.