Sanghar – The Hyderabad Union of Journalists (Workers) held its annual elections for the year 2026 in Sanghar, resulting in the selection of new office bearers and governing body members. The elections saw robust participation from local journalists and media professionals across television, print, and digital platforms, highlighting the active engagement of the press community in the region.

In the elections, Irfan Arain, in-charge of Bol TV, was elected as President, while senior reporter Amjad Islam from Daily Jang was chosen as General Secretary. Other office bearers include Ashiq Hussain Sand from APP as Senior Vice President, Imran Malik from Mehran Tribune as Vice President, Sajid Hussain Arain, Bureau Chief of Abtak TV, as Treasurer, Rana Humble from News One as Joint Secretary, and Asif Sheikh from Neo News as Information Secretary.

The governing body members elected include Aftab Rand from Sindh Akhbar, Ghulam Qadir Tausifi from Aman Akhbar, Mubeen Magsi from KTN, Osama Koti from Abtak TV, Adil Abbasi from ABN, Shabbir Nizami from Sindh Express, Yamin Qureshi, and Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Sheikh from Nai Baat Akhbar.

The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected office bearers was organized at a local club in Sanghar. The event was attended by several prominent leaders of journalistic unions from Sindh, including Bilal Qureshi, President of Shaheed Benazirabad Union of Journalists (Workers); Abdul Ghafoor Memon, President of Matiari Union of Journalists (Workers); Javed Latif Memon, President of Thatta Union of Journalists (Workers); Murtaza Memon, President of Badin Union of Journalists (Workers); Zafar Lodhi, President of Sanghar Union of Journalists (Workers); Manwar Shaheen; Mumtaz Tamimi, President of Tando Adam Union of Journalists (Workers); and Nank Ram Sejuani. Their presence highlighted the solidarity and networking among journalistic communities across Sindh.

During the ceremony, central leaders from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Workers), including Dr. Saadia Kamal, Central President, and Nasser Sheikh, Senior Vice President, as well as Hamidullah Abid, General Secretary of Rawalpindi/Islamabad Union of Journalists (Workers), and other leaders including Imran Potoli and Ashiq Sand, addressed the participants.

They highlighted the difficult circumstances under which journalists continue to work in Pakistan. “Journalists face personal and financial hardships, yet they continue to fulfill their professional responsibilities diligently. They play a crucial role in promoting the country’s development, prosperity, and positive image internationally. Unfortunately, the government has repeatedly failed to provide adequate protection for journalists,” they said.

The speakers condemned the ongoing forced dismissals of journalists and media workers across television channels, newspapers, and other media organizations. They further pointed out that many journalists have not received salaries for several months, creating severe economic difficulties and insecurity among media professionals.

The union leaders called on the government and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to ensure that salaries and dues of journalists, media workers, and cameramen are paid on time and that these payments are not made conditional on the receipt of government advertisements. They emphasized that prompt payment of salaries is essential for protecting the welfare of media workers and maintaining professional standards.

The leadership also criticized the monopolistic control exercised by certain groups over press clubs in Sindh and across the country. These groups, according to the speakers, often grant membership or privileges to journalists, photographers, and cameramen based on favoritism rather than merit, undermining the principles of equality and fairness within media organizations.

The Hyderabad Union of Journalists (Workers) elections and subsequent oath-taking ceremony reflect the ongoing efforts of media professionals to strengthen journalistic institutions and maintain collective representation. By actively participating in union activities, journalists aim to safeguard their rights, enhance working conditions, and promote a free and independent press in Sindh.

The event also underscored the importance of solidarity among journalists from different regions. Leaders highlighted the need for collaboration between unions across districts to address challenges such as job security, timely payment of wages, and protection against arbitrary dismissals. They stressed that a united media community is essential for preserving journalistic freedom and upholding democratic values in society.

In conclusion, the annual elections of the Hyderabad Union of Journalists (Workers) in Sanghar marked a significant moment for the region’s media community. With the election of new office bearers and governing body members, coupled with strong representation from Sindh’s journalist unions, the event reinforced the commitment of media professionals to protect their rights, advocate for fair treatment, and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or financial hardship. The union leaders’ calls for government intervention, fair salary practices, and transparent governance within press institutions highlight the critical role that collective action plays in sustaining a vibrant and independent press in Pakistan.