CM Murad Ali Shah draws parallels between PPP leadership, journalists’ struggle against dictatroship, authoritarianism

CM Murad Ali Shah draws parallels between PPP leadership, journalists’ struggle against dictatroship, authoritarianism

KARACHI (July 30): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, addressing the Executive Council of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), drew parallels between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the journalist community, highlighting their shared legacy of resistance against both dictatorship and civilian authoritarianism.
He lauded the historic role of Pakistani journalists and his slain leadership in defending democracy, freedom of expression, and civil liberties.
The CM had hosted a dinner for the PFUJ executive council here at the Banquet Hall, which was presided over by Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The PFUJ delegates, led by its President Afzal Butt, across Pakistan, attended the fest. Chief Minister Balochistan, Mr Sarfraz Bugti, and provincial cabinet members were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister recalled landmark moments in the country’s media history and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting journalists’ rights.
“I consider the KUJ not just a union but an institution that was born alongside Pakistan, with only a few months’ difference,” Mr Shah said. “The PPP and KUJ have always walked the same path, never surrendering to oppression.”
The CM highlighted the founding of the PFUJ on August 2, 1950, tracing its roots to the efforts of visionary journalists MA Shakoor and Israr Ahmed in post-independence Karachi. He paid tribute to legendary journalist leaders like Minhaj Barna and Nisar Usmani, whose resistance in the face of martial laws became a symbol of courage.
Referring to the 1970 nationwide 17-day newspaper strike for the implementation of the Wage Board Award, Shah said, “That united protest shook the very corridors of power and stands as a historic testament to the strength of journalist solidarity.”
The CM praised the resilience shown by the press during General Zia-ul-Haq’s dictatorship, particularly when journalists faced lashes and imprisonment for protesting the ban on the daily Musawaat. The Chief Minister also recalled PPP’s unwavering support for press freedom during the crackdown on the Daily Jang group in 1998, led then by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
“Mohtarma Benazir not only led a protest rally from the Jang office to Fawara Chowk in Karachi, she also assured the journalist community of PPP’s unconditional support—even when the media owners themselves hesitated,” Mr Shah said.
Murad Shah further highlighted the role of PFUJ during General Musharraf’s emergency in 2007, when electronic media faced severe censorship. “Over 150 journalists protested continuously for 88 days in Karachi. PPP stood by them then -and we continue to stand with them today,” he asserted.
Underlining the government’s efforts for journalist welfare, CM Murad Shah mentioned that the Sindh government was the first province to establish a Journalists Protection Commission, and that substantial allocations have been made in this year’s budget for journalists’ housing and press club development.
The chief minister concluded by reaffirming Sindh’s leading role in defending democracy and press freedom:
“History is witness, Sindh has always led the resistance. From the fight against dictatorship to today’s struggles against terrorism, poverty, and injustice, our resolve remains unshaken.”
The event concluded with a renewed pledge of solidarity between the provincial government and the journalist community, with both sides recognising their shared mission in upholding truth, accountability, and the democratic values of Pakistan.