ISLAMABAD: The Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) has elected new office-bearers unopposed to lead the organisation for next term.
These elections were conducted under the banner of the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad where 59 full-time sports journalists belonging to print and electronic media participated.
All the positions were filled unopposed, reflecting the trust and unity among RISJA’s 59 members. The electoral process was overseen by Election Committee Chairman Shahryar Khan along with Asim Jilani and Rana Farhan Aslam as the members, who officially announced the results.
Abubakar Bin Tallat, an emerging sports journalist, was elected president while Syed Arslan Shirazi and Nasir Abbas Naqvi were elected as General Secretary and Finance Secretary, respectively.
Other elected office-bearers include Zulfiqar Bag (Senior Vice President), Aqeel Anjum and Asgher Ali Mubarik (Vice Presidents), Hafiz Ubaidur Rehman and Asim Riaz (Joint Secretaries), Nasir Abbas Naqvi (Treasurer).
The Executive Body of RISJA was also constituted, comprising Faheem Anwar Khan, Afzal Javed, Zahid Farooq Malik, Nasir Aslam Raja, Zeeshan Qayyum, Sohail Raja, Arfa Feroz Zaki, Kiran Khan, Awais Abbasi, and Farhan Jafri.
Veteran sports journalists Abdul Mohi Shah and Malik Shakeel Awan will serve as Patron and Chairman, respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, President Abubakar Bin Tallat and Secretary Arslan Shirazi thanked the members for their confidence and pledged to uphold RISJA’s values. They emphasized the association’s commitment to regularise professional activities and advocacy for the rights of genuine sports journalists.
Meanwhile, National Press Club President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary Shiraz Gerdazi, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, RIUJ President Tariq Virk and others congratulated the newly-elected body, expressing hope that it will continue to serve the journalist community with dedication.
Tarar congratulate RISJA office-bearers
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has congratulated RISJA’s newly-elected President Abubakar bin Tallat, General Secretary Syed Arslan Shirazi, Finance Secretary Nasir Abbas Naqvi and other office-bearers, says a press release.
Tarar also extended his congratulations to Zulfiqar Baig on being elected Senior Vice President, Aqeel Anjum and Asghar Ali Mubarak as Vice Presidents, and Hafiz Abdul Rehman and Asim Riaz as Joint Secretaries.
“The government firmly believes in free, responsible, and constructive journalism,” said Attaullah Tarar, adding that RISJA is an active and vibrant journalistic organization. Tarar added that RISJA plays a key role in promoting sports journalism and protecting the rights of journalists.
“The government is well aware of the challenges faced by journalists and is taking serious steps to address them,” stated the federal minister.
He conveyed his best wishes to the new RISJA leadership and expressed hope that the new team will fulfill the trust of the journalist community through their professional capabilities.
