The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) held its Annual General Body Meeting reflecting on the struggles and achievements of 2025, a year marked by numerous challenges to press freedom and the rights of journalists. From controversial amendments to the PECA Act, to the alarming rise in forced dismissals, non-payment of salaries, and incidents of police violence, RIUJ has remained at the forefront, defending journalists and the principles of a free press.
The year 2025 began with immediate resistance following the signing of the PECA Ordinance by President Asif Ali Zardari. The Union's leadership, including President Tariq Ali Virk, led protests and legal actions to challenge the legislation, emphasizing that journalists would not accept any form of pressure. RIUJ's efforts were instrumental in organizing a hunger strike, a massive press freedom rally, and further protests across the country, highlighting their unwavering commitment to press rights.
RIUJ’s advocacy also included direct actions against unpaid wages. In March 2025, the Union issued ultimatums to several media institutions, demanding that salaries be paid. Their protests bore fruit, forcing institutions like Jang and Nawa-e-Waqt to clear pending dues. Later that year, RIUJ expanded its campaign to include the journalists from the Daily Jammu and Kashmir in Azad Kashmir, whose reporting had led to the registration of criminal cases against them. A press freedom rally in Muzaffarabad successfully led to the nullification of these cases.
Throughout the year, the Union continued to address labor-related issues within the media, such as unjust layoffs. A significant victory came from the legal battle to ensure the reinstatement of dismissed journalists and workers. In addition to taking up these struggles, RIUJ also made strides in securing health insurance and better working conditions for journalists.
One of the most significant moments came in July 2025, when RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk was detained by the police after advocating for the rights of a journalist. This sparked a national outcry, leading to high-level meetings and apologies from officials. RIUJ’s persistent efforts, including holding meetings with lawmakers and government officials, ensured that such incidents did not go unnoticed, with concrete actions being taken against those responsible.
In the latter months, RIUJ organized seminars, medical camps, and continued to support the families of journalists, strengthening its role as a pillar of the journalistic community. A key achievement was the significant recovery of journalists' dues, amounting to Rs. 770 million, made possible by RIUJ's legal efforts and its cooperation with the ITNE.
Overall, the year 2025 demonstrated the resilience and unity of the journalistic community under RIUJ’s leadership. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Union’s work throughout the year proved that when journalists stand united for their rights, their collective voice cannot be silenced.
Post a Comment