Pakistani-American Journalists Association on Sunday honored veteran Pakistani journalists, acknowledging their decades-long contributions to raising awareness about important national and international issues.
While in Pakistan’s vibrant media is delivering news through a variety of digital means in real time, the Pakistan focused media forums and outlets in Washington metro area and other parts of the United States are also finding a place of their own.
The Iftar event marked a celebration of lifetime achievement awards to four veteran journalists and writers from English, Punjab and Urdu media.
Mr. Tom McDevitt, Chairman The Washington Times, Mr. Rizwan Sheikh, DCM at the Pakistani Embassy give award to journalist Salahuddin Ahmed
Dr. Manzoor Ejaz has to his credit hundreds of Urdu, English and Punjabi columns and who also runs a Punjabi website “Wichaar,” that is contributing to preservation of Punjabi language and literature.
Mr. Akmal Aleemi, a working journalist or the last 60 years, started his career from Urdu daily “Imroz” from Pakistan. He had worked with the Voice of America since last 35 years and now writes columns.
Mr. Abul Hasan Naghmi, a writer of many books, a veteran journalist, a famous radio voice, living in the United States for last 45 years. Naghmi is running a society, SOUL, to promote Urdu language among children born to Pakistani American immigrants. The Society of Urdu Literature (SOUL) organizes monthly meeting on different language related topics.
Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed, a longtime radio veteran,who recently retired after a long career at the Voice of America. He is acknowledged as an expert on South Asia, Kashmir and India-Pakistan relations.
Ms. Helaena White of State Department, now posted in Britain as Chief South & Central Asia sent a video message in Urdu language to the delight of the attendees as she congratulated the four lifetime achievement awardees.
Mr. Nelon Johnson, a senior official SCA team in the State Department and Mr. Tom McDevitte, Chairman Board of Directors of The Washington Times were among the guests. Mr. McDevitt, in his brief speech congratulated the awardees and praised the initiative to honor veteran journalists.
Mr. Rizwan Shaikh, the Deputy Chief Mission of Pakistan Embassy, applauded the work of journalists and said that since the advent of technology, the rapid spread of information, has led Pakistani media into a vibrant phase.
On behalf of PAPA, Rahman Bunairee, President and Khurram Shahzad, Secretary, welcomed the participants and highlighted the contributions of veteran journalists.
