In a significant move to strengthen the journalistic community in Kashmir, the office bearers of the newly formed Press Club of Kashmir held an interactive session with journalists from various media organizations on Friday, at the newly hired space location at Amira Kadal here.
The event, which aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration, was attended by many journalists who shared their insights and suggestions for developing the club promoting healthy journalism practices across Kashmir value and restoring its prestige
Presided over by M Saleem Pandit, the newly elected interim President of the Press Club of Kashmir, the session provided a platform for journalists to voice their concerns, share ideas, and propose initiatives that could benefit the media fraternity for overall development.
During the discussion, various issues were highlighted, including the need for better facilities at the Press Club, training programs for journalists, and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in reporting.
In his address, Pandit assured the journalists of his commitment to the welfare of the press community.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists in the current environment and emphasized the need for a united approach to overcome them. “We are committed to making the Press Club of Kashmir a hub for journalistic excellence and a place where journalists can come together to share knowledge and resources,” Pandit said.
He also announced plans to engage with the corporate sector to secure financial assistance and sponsorships for the club. “We will reach out to various corporate entities to help the Press Club meet its needs and ensure that we can provide our members with the best possible facilities and opportunities for professional growth,” he added.
Zulfikar Majid, the General Secretary of the Press Club of Kashmir, assured the journalist community in the region that elections for the club will be held in the shortest possible time. Addressing concerns raised by members, Majid emphasized that the primary focus is the formal establishment of the Club.
He explained that the process of setting up the Club is underway, and once all the necessary steps are completed, they will proceed with organizing elections.
He acknowledged the importance of having a democratically elected body to lead the Press Club and reiterated the commitment of the current team to ensure transparency and fairness in the election process.
The Press Club of Kashmir has been seen as a crucial platform for journalists in the region, providing a unified voice and a space for professional development. The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by journalists who are keen to see the institution become fully functional, with a representative leadership in place.
Majid’s statement aims to reassure the media fraternity that their concerns are being addressed, and the future of the Press Club will be determined through a democratic process.
Ayaz Hafiz, Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, assured full support for budding journalists in Kashmir through his organization. He emphasized that the Rising Kashmir team is committed to nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary resources to excel in their careers.
Hafiz highlighted the importance of the Press Club as a vital platform for journalists to exchange ideas, share experiences, and enhance journalistic practices. He believes that such a space fosters collaboration and growth, contributing to the development of a more informed and responsible media community in the region.
The Press Club of Kashmir, under its current leadership, is expected to continue organizing such interactive sessions, which are seen as a vital step towards enhancing the role of the media in the region and promoting ethical journalism.
The session concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the journalists, who expressed their appreciation for the Press Club’s efforts to involve them in the decision-making process. The office bearers pledged to take the suggestions forward and work towards the collective betterment of the journalistic community in Kashmir.
