Media role in highlighting long standing Kashmir issue discussed
President lauds consistent and principal stand of PO in raising Kashmir cause
Rana Tahir Shahbaz
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik called on the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan, at the President House AJK, Islamabad. Chief Digital Officer of Pakistan Observer, Mr. Saud Faisal Malik accompanied the Chairman on the occasion.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, particularly the Kashmir cause and the role of media in highlighting the long-standing issue at national and international forums, were discussed. At the outset, Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan on assuming the office of President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In the meeting, Sardar Hayat was also present.
The President of AJK lauded the consistent and principled role of Pakistan Observer in raising the Kashmir cause. He highly appreciated that Pakistan Observer is the only national English daily which publishes a dedicated daily page on Kashmir, keeping the issue alive and informed for the diplomatic community, policymakers and international readers.
The President also commended Pakistan Observer and Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust for regularly organizing national and international conferences on the Kashmir cause at the Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust, Islamabad, and for holding a grand, landmark conference every year on 5th February to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, which brings together leadership from Pakistan, AJK, and the international community.
President Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan paid rich tribute to the late Mr. Zahid Malik (Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sitara-i-Imtiaz), Founder of Pakistan Observer and Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust, recalling his lifelong services, journalistic legacy and unwavering commitment to the ideology of Pakistan and the Kashmir cause. He said the mission initiated by the late Zahid Malik is being carried forward with dedication by his sons.
It was also recalled during the meeting that Pakistan Observer and Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust have enjoyed a long and cordial association with the leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Former Presidents of AJK, including Sardar Masood Khan and Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, as well as former Prime Minister and President of AJK Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, have frequently visited the offices of Pakistan Observer and Nazriya Pakistan Council Trust, and graced various seminars and conferences organized on the Kashmir cause as Chief Guests. This long-standing bond reflects the trust and respect the AJK leadership places in Pakistan Observer as a true voice for Kashmir.
Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, on the occasion, reaffirmed Pakistan Observer’s commitment to continue raising the voice of the Kashmiri people at every available forum. He said that Pakistan Observer considers the Kashmir cause as a national cause and will continue its policy of dedicated coverage and advocacy till the Kashmiri people achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions. The meeting was held in a very cordial and warm atmosphere.