PFUJ paid rich tribute to veteran progressive journalist Ahfazur Rehman

Three day mourning announced 

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of the veteran journalist and announced three-day mourning across the country.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary General Nasir Zaidi paid rich tributes to the lifelong struggle and sacrifices rendered by Rahman for the freedom of press in the country.

"Ahfazur Rahman was one of the torchbearers for the freedom of press," the joint statement read. "He was always in the forefront in any movement launched by the PFUJ against military rulers and oppressive regimes."

The PFUJ president and secretary general said the lifelong struggle of Rahman would continue to be a guiding force for the journalists' community across Pakistan.

The PFUJ also announced three days of mourning across the country. During this period, black flags will be hoisted at all the press clubs and union offices, the statement read.

Recalling Rahman’s journalistic career, the PFUJ leadership said his struggle for the rights of working journalists would always be remembered.

The PFUJ leaders noted that the late journalists had been fighting for the rights of journalists since 1972. He was arrested and tortured during the oppressive regime of General Ziaul Haq but never surrendered and continued to raise his voice for the freedom of press, they said, adding that even during the tenure of former military dictator Gen Musharraf, Rahman remained in the forefront of the struggle when the military dictator banned some television channels.

"As president of the PFUJ, Ahfazur Rahman constantly raised the issue of non-implementation of wage board award and challenged the owners and management of newspapers and media houses without any fear," the statement read. "With his death, we have lost a great trade unionist, a bold leader, a committed journalist and above all a man who was of great personal integrity."

The two PFUJ leaders said Rahman had worked to revitalise the Karachi Press Club and always opposed those elements who were bent upon de-politicising the press club. "We salute to our former colleague and comrade Ahfazur Rahman for his lifelong struggle,” the PFUJ leaders said, adding that the late journalist would continue living in the hearts of the PFUJ members across the country.