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World Unites in Dublin to Advance Tobacco Control

By: Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar

Over the past two decades, the global prevalence of tobacco use among adults (aged 15 and above) has significantly declined. According to the World Health Organization’s “Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2030,” the proportion of tobacco users worldwide decreased from 32.7% in 2000 to 20.9% in 2022, marking a 36% relative reduction. This achievement is largely attributed to the coordinated efforts stemming from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a global treaty designed to strengthen national and international responses to the tobacco epidemic.

However, in Pakistan, the situation remains concerning. Despite being the fifth most populous country globally, the tobacco burden remains heavy. As of 2024, an estimated 31.6 million adults, or nearly 20% of the adult population, use tobacco in some form. The adult smoking prevalence stood at 12.4% in 2023, with a stark gender divide: 22.2% among men and just 2.1% among women.
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable deaths in Pakistan, accounting for approximately 170,000 deaths annually, which translates to about 465 deaths per day. The economic burden is equally severe, with tobacco-related diseases costing the country over PKR 615 billion (1.6% of GDP) each year.

From June 23 to 25, 2025, Dublin, Ireland, will become the center of the global fight against one of the world’s deadliest public health threats: tobacco. The World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC), formerly known as the World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH), will bring together experts, advocates, researchers, and policymakers from over 100 countries including Pakistan to accelerate efforts to end the tobacco epidemic. Hosted by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, this landmark event is more than just a conference—it’s a rallying call for urgent, coordinated action in the face of a global health crisis that claims more than 8 million lives each year.

The 2025 conference arrives at a critical moment. Despite major strides over the past two decades—stronger policies, higher tobacco taxes, widespread smoke-free laws, and graphic warning labels—progress is uneven, and the tobacco industry remains relentless in its tactics. In many low- and middle-income countries, smoking rates are still alarmingly high, and emerging addictive tobacco products such as nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco are fueling new forms of addiction, especially among youth.

WCTC 2025 offers a timely opportunity to refocus the global agenda, share evidence-based solutions, and confront the evolving challenges of tobacco use. Sessions will spotlight everything from litigation and regulation to youth prevention, corporate accountability, and the intersection between tobacco control and climate action. It will also serve as a vital networking hub for grantee partners and grassroots leaders who are driving real change on the ground.

What sets this conference apart is its spirit of collaboration. Tobacco control has always required more than health sector engagement—it demands cross-sector alliances, political will, and community leadership. Whether through public health campaigns or policymaking, global solidarity is key to overcoming the tobacco industry’s transnational influence.

As Dublin prepares to welcome the world, the message is clear: the fight against tobacco is far from over—but with unity, evidence, and determination, it is winnable. Ireland once led by example, and in 2025, it will again play host to a global movement aiming to secure a tobacco-free future for generations to come.

The writer is a child rights activist and public health advocate, currently working as a Program Manager at the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC)

Renowned Sindhi Poetess Nasreen Altaf Passes Away

By: Kamran Khamiso Khowaja

HYDERABAD: Seasoned poetess, educationist, and social activist Nasreen Altaf died of cardiac arrest in Hyderabad on Friday morning. The 59-year-old poetess was rushed to a local hospital where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. The news of her death spread like wildfire across the province, and a large number of her admirers and students took to social media to express their grief over the demise of the noted literary figure.

Nasreen was born on August 14, 1965, in Shahdadpur city, Sanghar district, to Altaf Qureshi. Her profound love for literature since childhood led her to venture into the orbit of Sindhi poetry. After completing her graduation, she joined the education department as a teacher in 1985. Later, she obtained Master’s degrees in Education and Sindhi literature from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro. After being promoted to the rank of High School Teacher, she joined the administrative section of the education department and served as Assistant District Education Officer.

Besides her professional responsibilities, she continued to make significant contributions to Sindhi poetry and literature. She also played an instrumental role in encouraging women to join literary organizations and contribute to the betterment of society. She hosted various Sindhi television shows and also appeared as a guest at various events. Her famous poetry books include Dard Jee Chanhu Me (Under the Shadow of Pain), Rir Rariyon Tho Kare (The Desert Cries), Rat Vihame Thi (The Night Ends), and Mum Men Tu Maujoof (You Are Within Me).

Eminent poets of Sindh, including Dr. Samina Waheed, Ayaz Amar Sheikh, Ayoub Khoso, and Javed Maher, paid tribute to her by calling her a flamboyant name in Sindhi poetry and termed her death a huge loss to Sindhi literature. A large number of people belonging to different walks of life attended her funeral, and she was later laid to rest in a local graveyard in Hyderabad.

The Human Cost of War

By: Syed Shahzaib Haider

As we have seen in recent days, the Middle East has witnessed a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, with both nations engaging in full-scale missile attacks. The conflict, which began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, has led to Iranian retaliatory missile and drone strikes across Israel. These exchanges have resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, including the deaths of at least 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis, and the targeting of critical infrastructure such as the Natanz nuclear facility and oil storage sites in Tehran.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations. However, efforts toward de-escalation have been hampered by entrenched political positions and a lack of effective communication channels between the conflicting parties.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, the conflict has broader regional implications. The Middle East’s stability is intricately linked to global peace and security. The ongoing war threatens to destabilize neighboring countries, disrupt global energy markets, and worsen existing geopolitical tensions.

The human cost of war has always been immeasurable in such situations. Civilians bear the brunt of the violence, with families torn apart, communities displaced, and lives shattered. The psychological trauma inflicted on individuals, especially children, will have long-lasting effects on future generations. At the heart of this conflict lies a complex web of political, ideological, and strategic interests. While these factors contribute to the persistence of hostilities, they also underscore the need for dialogue and understanding. The egos and vested interests of political leaders should not overshadow the fundamental rights of individuals to live in peace and security.

In light of the ongoing violence, it is imperative that the international community intensifies its efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and Israel. Neutral mediators, such as the United Nations or regional organizations, should be empowered to broker discussions aimed at achieving a sustainable and just peace. Confidence-building measures, humanitarian assistance, and a commitment to addressing underlying grievances are essential components of any peace process. The current situation also highlights the importance of addressing the broader geopolitical dynamics that fuel conflicts. Engaging in multilateral diplomacy, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering cultural exchanges can help build trust and reduce the likelihood of future confrontations.

In conclusion, the ongoing war between Iran and Israel serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on human lives. It is a call to action for all nations to prioritize peace over war, dialogue over division, and humanity over political gain. Only through collective efforts and a genuine commitment to peace can we hope to break the cycle of violence and build a more prosperous and harmonious world for future generations.

The writer is the head of the editorial team

Silenced Screams

By: Momina Shaharyar

Woe to the people whose life was once filled with ecstasy,

Now they see the horrors that befall upon them.

From every corner, infants cry and women weep,

Grinding in the mill of oppression, yet still stand tall like a resilient mountain—

Those people were the epitome of valor.

Oppressors rule over them with an iron fist,

Fabricate hideous plans with a twist.

By the strike of thunderous roar, each building, each street turns to rubble;

Nowadays, Gaza seems like an infernal furnace—

Now it is known as a ghost town.

Pay tribute to those who risk their lives to open the eyes of the world,

But the world sleeps soundly in its sweet slumber.

By witnessing all this, I often wonder:

Are upcoming events already crafting their shadows?

Their country turned to shards of glass,

People evacuate, demolish houses.

Infants’ tiny hands, lifeless bodies, blood-stained cradles—

Unborn hopes, unfulfilled dreams, silenced screams, forgotten cries.

Babies killed in dozens; blood floats like a stream of river.

In the darkness, a sky-borne fury hit the camps,

Made them glow like burning lamps.

Under a cloud of fumes, death descends,

Engulfing the mortals with a merciless end.

Motionless bodies, empty gazes once filled with ambition—now they cease.

Voices silenced; lives eternally freeze.

Silencer Screams

By: Momina Shaharyar 

Woe to the people whose life was once filled with ecstasy,

Now they see the horrors that befall upon them.

From every corner, infants cry and women weep,

Grinding in the mill of oppression, yet still stand tall like a resilient mountain—

Those people were the epitome of valor.

Oppressors rule over them with an iron fist,

Fabricate hideous plans with a twist.

By the strike of thunderous roar, each building, each street turns to rubble;

Nowadays, Gaza seems like an infernal furnace—

Now it is known as a ghost town.

Pay tribute to those who risk their lives to open the eyes of the world,

But the world sleeps soundly in its sweet slumber.

By witnessing all this, I often wonder:

Are upcoming events already crafting their shadows?

Their country turned to shards of glass,

People evacuate, demolish houses.

Infants’ tiny hands, lifeless bodies, blood-stained cradles—

Unborn hopes, unfulfilled dreams, silenced screams, forgotten cries.

Babies killed in dozens; blood floats like a stream of river.

In the darkness, a sky-borne fury hit the camps,

Made them glow like burning lamps.

Under a cloud of fumes, death descends,

Engulfing the mortals with a merciless end.

Motionless bodies, empty gazes once filled with ambition—now they cease.

Voices silenced; lives eternally freeze.

Rethinking Qurbani in Pakistan: Rising Costs, Shifting Trends, and a Call for Renewed Zeal

By: Rehan Tahir

Each year, the sacred act of Qurbani during Eid-ul-Adha brings with it a spirit of sacrifice, generosity, and a deep sense of connection among Muslims across the globe. For decades, overseas Pakistanis have played a vital role in supporting their communities back home by sending Qurbani shares to Pakistan. However, recent years have witnessed a significant decline in these contributions a change that merits careful reflection.

One of the primary reasons behind this shift is the sharp increase in the cost of Qurbani animals within Pakistan. Just a few years ago, a single share could be arranged for approximately £35 for overseas but Today, that figure has nearly doubled to £80, making it increasingly difficult for donors to contribute in the same capacity. In comparison, several African nations and disaster-affected regions such as Gaza and Yemen are offering Qurbani shares at lower costs, some as low as £35 or £50. This price disparity naturally redirects the attention of many overseas Muslims and Pakistanis toward regions where their contribution goes further and where humanitarian needs are more immediate and visible.

In Pakistan, a standard Qurbani share from some organizations is priced around PKR 28,000 per person. While this may reflect the actual market realities, it remains unaffordable for many, especially when considering families who wish to contribute multiple shares. Rising inflation, currency devaluation, and increased operational costs have further compounded the situation. Additionally, regulatory frameworks such as public procurement rules (PEPRA) have inadvertently added to the financial burden. Charitable organizations must now publish tenders for livestock procurement, a process that includes contractor margins of up to 20%, inevitably increasing the overall cost of each share.

Meanwhile, international NGOs have adopted their own operational standards for Qurbani programs due to delivery of animals in farlong areas, streamlining their processes and often operating in low-cost regions. Their ability to deliver cost-effective solutions, particularly in emergency-affected areas, makes them more attractive to donors who want to ensure their sacrifice reaches the most vulnerable communities.

Despite these challenges, there is an opportunity for Pakistan to revitalize its Qurbani landscape. This is a moment not for despair but for renewed commitment. Religious practices like Qurbani should be preserved with full zeal and zest, keeping their spirit alive within our borders. A national dialogue involving community leaders, policymakers, and civil society could help in reviewing existing regulations that inadvertently discourage charitable giving. There is also a need to explore alternative models, such as local community-based Qurbani projects or subsidized schemes supported by the diaspora, that ensure transparency, affordability, and impact.

Moreover, promoting awareness around the value of performing Qurbani within one’s home country can also play a crucial role. It is not only about fulfilling a religious obligation, it is also a means of directly supporting local farmers, butchers, and countless workers who rely on Eid-related activities for their livelihood.

The writer is a philanthropist based in Islamabad.

Reviving Pakistan’s Economy through Real Estate: Budget 2025–26 Needs Strategic Reforms

By: Junaid Qayyum Abbasi

As Pakistan prepares for Budget 2025–26 amidst severe financial pressures, tough IMF conditions, and sluggish economic activity, it is crucial for policymakers to look toward sectors with immediate potential for revival and sustainable growth. The real estate and Construction sector, often misunderstood and overlooked, stands out as a powerful engine that can help steer the economy toward recovery, provided it is enabled through rational policies, fair taxation, and effective regulation.

Real Estate: The Backbone of the Economy:

Contrary to the perception that real estate is a non-productive sector, it serves as the “Mother of Industries”. A single real estate transaction can activate over 70 allied industries — from cement, steel, and electrical to paint, woodwork, tiles, furniture, and more. Additionally, it creates employment for architects, engineers, contractors, lawyers, laborers, transporters, and sales professionals. The multiplier effect of this sector on economic activity, employment, and revenue generation is enormous.

A Safe Haven for Overseas Pakistani Investment

Real estate remains the most trusted investment channel for overseas Pakistanis, who contribute billions in remittances annually. Unfortunately, growing fears of excessive taxation, legal uncertainties, and fraudulent dealings have started to discourage foreign investment in this sector. Protecting this investment is essential for sustaining the country’s foreign exchange reserves and domestic capital flow.

Key Budget Proposals for 2025–26 By FORP.

1. Establish a National Real Estate Regulatory Authority

  • Proposal: Register all real estate consultants under a centralized authority like RERA or the Pakistan Realtors Council.
  • Impact: Brings transparency, professionalism, and consumer protection to the sector. Helps eliminate fraudulent agents and boosts investor confidence, especially for overseas Pakistanis.

2. Abolish the Deemed Rental Income Tax (Section 7E)

  • This irrational tax has created panic among investors and halted trillions of rupees in potential investments. While its revenue contribution remains marginal, its economic damage is massive. It must be immediately abolished.

3. Remove Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Property Transactions

  • Introduced in the previous budget, FED has significantly slowed down market activity. Its removal would reinvigorate the real estate sector.

4. Reduce Advance Income Tax on Property Sales & Purchases

  • Current Situation: Under Sections 236K and 236C, both buyers and sellers are charged 3% advance income tax on declared value.
  • Recommendation: Reduce this to 1% for filers to incentivize formal transactions and increase overall tax compliance and revenue.

5. Rationalize Property Valuation Tables

  • In consultation with the Federation of Realtors Pakistan, revise property valuation tables once annually, reflecting real market values. In many areas, current government-assessed values are higher than actual market rates, discouraging investment.

6. Include Stakeholders in Policy Decisions

  • Any new policy or taxation related to real estate should involve consultation with stakeholders, particularly the Federation of Realtors Pakistan, to ensure practical and fair regulations.

7. Crack Down on Illegal Housing Societies

  • This would prevent tax evasion estimated at over PKR 500 billion and protect common citizens from fraudulent schemes.

8. Harmonize Property Transaction Costs Nationwide

  • Standardize fees and taxes for property registration, transfer, and related services across all provinces and federal territories (including cantonment boards).

9. Continue Construction Amnesty and Control Material Prices

  • Reinstating construction amnesty schemes and regulating prices of essential materials like cement, steel, and gravel can make housing more affordable for ordinary citizens and stimulate allied industries.

10. Establish Special Real Estate Tribunals

  • Create fast-track tribunals under RERA to resolve property disputes within 90 days, rather than years-long litigation.

The Road to Economic Revival

A strong, regulated, and incentivized real estate sector can be a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy. It can create millions of jobs, attract foreign investment, generate substantial tax revenues, and stimulate over 70 connected industries. Budget 2025–26 presents a vital opportunity to unlock this potential. By implementing the above recommendations, the government can usher in a new era of economic activity, stability, and growth.

The writer is a freelance columnist

Absurdly Nationalistic Indian Media Narrative and Its Effects on Public Sentiment

By: Syed Shahzaib Haider

In South Asia, India and Pakistan share a long and troubled history, marked by wars, border fights, and deeply rooted mistrust. While diplomacy and people-to-people connections have occasionally softened hostilities, the role of media, especially during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, has increasingly shaped public opinion in India through heightened nationalism, emotional storytelling, and polarizing portrayals of Pakistan. This has had profound effects on public sentiment, leading to a hardened national stance, reduced space for opposition, and increased risks of misinformation-driven escalations. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, the Indian media landscape has seen a sharp rise in nationalist rhetoric. Television news channels, especially in the Hindi belt, have become hubs for emotionally charged, militarized narratives that often frame Pakistan as an existential threat.

 Many primetime debates and news reports now resemble war rooms, complete with military visuals, background music, just like a Bollywood movie. Issues such as terrorism are selectively highlighted when linked to Pakistan, while other global terrorism incidents often receive less attention. Political narratives often shift toward external threats during elections, tapping into nationalistic sentiments and projecting strongman leadership. which creates a media environment that rewards outrage, simplifies complex geopolitical issues, and disincentivizes balanced reporting.

One of the most consistent narratives in Indian media has been the portrayal of Pakistan as a perpetual enemy. While it’s true that both countries have legitimate security concerns, the media’s role in amplifying hostility often ignores diplomatic tone. Instead of focusing on policies or military actions, media narratives sometimes paint the entire Pakistani population as enemies, ignoring cultural, civil, and people-to-people links. For instance, insurgency in Kashmir is often attributed entirely to Pakistani interference, with little space for internal political or humanitarian discussion. The media is trying labels peace efforts such as cricket diplomacy or cross-border trade as acts of weakness or betrayal. This narrative leaves little room for public support for peace or reconciliation, polarizing societies further.

While independent journalism in India continues to exist, the space for dissent has shrunk significantly. Journalists who criticize Modi’s policies or advocate for diplomatic dialogue often face intimidation, legal threats, and a loss of platform visibility. As a result, the average Indian viewer is exposed to a twisted picture where Pakistan is almost always the aggressor and India the justified responder. This shift in views has major consequences after the Pulwama attack in 2019, the Indian public overwhelmingly supported the Balakot airstrike, even though independent verification of its success remains inconclusive. Tragic events in Pakistan, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks on civilians, are met with muted sympathy or even mockery on Indian social media platforms. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has, at times, benefited electorally from this emotional climate, winning elections in the aftermath of nationalistic surges.

Interestingly, while domestic Indian media portrays India as the global leader in anti-terrorism efforts, international media and human rights organizations have increasingly raised concerns about civil liberties, freedom of press, and the militarization of nationalism under Modi. The communication blackout and reports of human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 revocation received widespread international criticism. India has fallen in global press freedom rankings, reflecting increasing challenges to independent journalism. In some cases, Pakistan has gained compassion or diplomatic support from countries concerned about regional stability and minority rights in India. This divergence creates a growing credibility gap between how the world sees the India–Pakistan conflict and how Indian citizens perceive it through domestic media.

The media’s role in fueling anti-Pakistan sentiment doesn’t just stay within borders it raises the risk of real-world escalation. When public opinion becomes so charged that any diplomatic move is seen as weakness, leaders are boxed into aggressive positions. Additionally, with nuclear weapons in the backdrop, media-led jingoism can push both nations into dangerously unpredictable territory. Constant exposure to war rhetoric affects young minds, creating long-term distrust between generations. When complex geopolitics is simplified into “us vs. them,” societies lose the ability to question policies and hold governments accountable.  In India, growing anti-Pakistan sentiment often overlaps with Islamophobia, putting Indian Muslims under suspicion or pressure to prove their loyalty.

In a world facing increasing polarization and misinformation, the media plays an outsized role in shaping not only opinions but also policies and global alignments. In the case of India–Pakistan relations, the media narrative, especially under Prime Minister Modi’s rule, has moved toward an aggressive, nationalist tone that leaves little room for diplomacy, empathy, or peacebuilding.

The writer is the Editorial Head at The Dayspring

World No Tobacco Day 2025Innovative Tobacco Products: An Innovative Killing Tool

By: Dr. Khalil Ahmed Dogar

According to the World Health Organization, the number of smokers in Pakistan has reached up to 29 million. A total of 10.7% of Pakistani youth (13-15 years) indulge in tobacco due to its cheap and easy affordability. This means nearly 1200 children begin smoking every day in the country. This tobacco consumption makes them prone to non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung diseases. Yearly, 170,000 people die due to tobacco consumption. This is a very alarming situation that needs immediate intervention by the government to safeguard public health.

The Global statistics are far more alarming, as WHO estimates suggest more than 8 million deaths each year due to tobacco consumption, while 1.2 million of these are a result of second-hand smoke exposure. Around the world, efforts to reduce tobacco use are undermined by the aggressive opposition of the big tobacco industry, which puts profits over lives.
Since becoming a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2005, Pakistan has strived towards safeguarding children from tobacco consumption. Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Ordinance 2002 bans selling tobacco products to children under the age of 18 and also bans the sale of these products within 50 50-meter radius of educational institutions. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, tobacco control hasn’t gone beyond cigarettes and Gutka. Lack of implementation of the 2002 ordinance aside, there have been no control efforts against the emerging nicotine tobacco products, i.e., nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and vapes.

There has been no policy or legislation to control and monitor the sales, promotion, and advertisement of nicotine pouches. The tobacco industry has claimed that these products are not tobacco products and they’re launched to help people overcome nicotine addiction. It is medically proven that nicotine can cause serious threats such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, and harmful changes in the development of the brain among children. It is also worth noting that cessation products can’t be given without a prescription; however, these products are openly sold in supermarkets, malls, grocery stores, and online websites.

A study “Big Tobacco – Tiny Targets” – conducted by civil society organization examined the sale and advertising trends of innovative tobacco products (nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products) within 100-meter radius of schools, universities, hostels, playground and parks, cinemas, shopping malls, indoor gaming / entertaining center and, restaurants in 9 cities of Pakistan.

The survey revealed that all points of sale were selling innovative tobacco products around points of interest for youth. These products, mainly nicotine pouches, are displayed at visible eye level for children and placed beside candies, sweets, and toys to appeal children and youth. Vendors also utilize sales techniques such as discounted products, free samples, gifts and competition entries to attract customers.

These findings are an eye-opener for everyone that Pakistan’s children are bombarded with marketing and easy accessibility of addictive nicotine products around their educational and recreational facilities. These products are claimed as cessation products but in fact, are new form of nicotine addiction. The tobacco industry has already misled the government by claiming that e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches are less harmful and only for smokers who want to quit. However, these products are openly promoted online and sold to young and new consumers.

The government must recognize the dangers of innovative tobacco products before it is too late. The government must regulate emerging addictive nicotine products and also strengthen Pakistan’s tobacco control legislation, to include a ban on all forms of point-of-sale tobacco advertising and point-of-sale tobacco product display.

The government should reconstitute and activate the Committee on Tobacco Advertisement Guidelines (CTAG) on a permanent basis and task the CTAG with continuously reviewing and updating Pakistan’s tobacco control legislation as it relates to tobacco industry advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Municipal authorities should license tobacco vendors and exclusive tobacco shops where only tobacco products are sold. This will reduce exposure to tobacco products by children and non-users who will not frequently visit such stores.

The writer is a child rights activist and public health advocate, currently working as a Program Manager at the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC)

Elections of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association Conclude; Abubakar Bin Talat Elected President, Atta Tarar, Yousaf Raza Gilani and Shazia Marri Extend Congratulations

NEWS DESK

Islamabad: The elections of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) have concluded, with Abubakar Bin Talat elected unopposed as President and Syed Arsalan Shirazi elected as General Secretary.

Other elected office bearers include Nasir Abbas Naqvi as Finance Secretary and Zulfiqar Baig as Senior Vice President. A total of 59 RISJA members unanimously supported the panel, reflecting unity and confidence within the organization.

Talented individuals were also elected to the executive body, including Zeeshan Qayyum, Faheem Anwar Khan, Afzal Javed, Zahid Farooq Malik, Nasir Aslam Raja, Sohail Raja, Arfa Feroze Zaki, Kiran Khan, Owais Abbasi, and Farhan Jafri.

The official results were announced by Election Committee Chairman Sheheryar Khan, who expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and transparent electoral process.

The newly elected leadership pledged to play an active role in the promotion of sports journalism and protection of journalists’ rights.

Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, and MNA Shazia Marri congratulated the new RISJA leadership and lauded their commitment to the development of sports journalism in the country.