Hazara Journalist Association Holds General Body Meeting at National Press Club; Two-Year Performance Reviewed and Elections Announced
Islamabad – The Hazara Journalist Association (HJA) convened its general body meeting at the National Press Club to review its two-year performance, discuss future plans, and unanimously announce upcoming elections. The meeting saw active participation from office-bearers and members of the association.
Opening the session, HJA President Luqman Shah and Secretary Adil Abbasi presented the two-year performance report, thanking all members for their support and urging them to put aside any past misunderstandings. They emphasized the association’s financial transparency, stating that not a single rupee had been taken or misused in the organization’s name over the past two years.
Luqman Shah reflected on the association’s activities, noting that it had faced both praise and criticism. He highlighted the oath-taking ceremony at KP House, meetings with Sooba Hazara Tehreek leaders, and interactions with the governor and information secretary, which enhanced the association’s recognition at the federal level.
Speaking on the occasion, Hazara Journalist Association founder and former president Chengez Khan Jadoon said that in any general body meeting, the finance secretary should present a performance report first. However, no financial details had been shared with members so far. He added that a demand had been made for immediate scrutiny of HJA members to remove all non-journalists from the list, which was supposed to be presented before the meeting but had still not been shared.
President Luqman Shah also addressed the issue of financial contributions, stating, “We have never asked for donations or charity. While some may consider seeking charity a routine practice, the fact is that every organization, union, and even mosque is built through contributions. Our members, according to their capacity, should either contribute voluntarily or pay a set membership fee. This fee should be made mandatory for all members, and its approval should be taken unanimously in today’s general body meeting.”
Raheel Swati praised the leadership for maintaining unity and identity, suggesting that the association establish a proper fundraising system and help members become professionally stronger to avoid financial hardships. Temoor Jadoon and Parvez Sahab also offered key proposals for strengthening the organization, while Luqman Shah recommended presenting financial reports regularly and introducing a nominal monthly membership fee for financial stability.
The meeting also discussed welfare initiatives, with Luqman Shah highlighting that during Ramadan, special packages were delivered discreetly to needy journalists, and assistance was provided to those facing illness or accidents.
In its concluding session, the general body unanimously agreed to hold fresh elections for new office-bearers and formed an Election Committee to oversee the process. Members pledged to work collectively to make the Hazara Journalist Association stronger and more active in the coming term.
