ISLAMABAD: The National Press Club (NPC), in collaboration with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Dastoor and City Lab, organised a special ceremony titled “Maseeha” at the NPC Islamabad to recognise the social, medical and welfare services of noted social and political figure and medical expert Dr Jamal Nasir.
A large number of senior journalists, office-bearers of journalist bodies, and political and social personalities attended the ceremony.
On the occasion, an agreement was reached between the National Press Club and City Lab to provide special medical concessions to NPC members and staff. Under the arrangement, NPC members and staff will receive up to 50 per cent discount on various medical tests and up to 40 per cent concession in radiology services.
NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao said around 3,349 members of the National Press Club would be able to benefit from the facility. He added that the parents, children and wives of members and staff would also be provided the facility.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial proposed that health awareness seminars and medical camps for journalist members should also be organised in collaboration with City Lab and the National Press Club.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Jamal Nasir thanked all speakers and participants and said he had always received love and respect from the journalist community. He said journalism was an oppressed profession, adding that journalists fought for the rights and freedoms of others, but when it came to their own rights, they had to face difficulties.
Dr Jamal Nasir said his father had long-standing relations with journalists and political workers, which created in him a special attachment to journalism and journalists. He recalled that prominent journalists and political personalities of the time used to visit their home, and this helped develop respect for journalism and journalists in him.
He urged journalist organisations to raise their voice in unity for their rights. He said his association with the history, politics and journalism of Rawalpindi spanned several decades.
Referring to his tenure as a minister, Dr Jamal Nasir said he never used public office for personal benefit and did not misuse government resources. He said if unnecessary pressure was placed on a minister and he could not take a principled decision, he should leave the ministry. He said his parents had trained him to speak the truth and stand by principles, and that was why he remained committed to his principles in his political journey as well.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial said Dr Jamal Nasir’s welfare services were proof that Almighty Allah grants honour to those who serve humanity. He said Dr Jamal Nasir’s services in health, environment and other sectors were commendable. He also called for holding health awareness seminars and medical camps for journalists.
NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao said Dr Jamal Nasir’s services for the journalist community were valuable. He said the platform of the National Press Club was always available for personalities serving humanity. He said that with the cooperation of Dr Jamal Nasir and his institution, special concessions in medical facilities and tests would be provided to NPC members and their families.
PFUJ President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza, while referring to Dr Jamal Nasir’s family, political and social services, said he had always given priority to helping the poor and deserving and never sent back a needy person empty-handed. He said Dr Jamal Nasir had further enhanced the good name of his parents and family and earned a place in the hearts of people through welfare services in Rawalpindi.
Senior journalist Sajjad Azhar said Dr Jamal Nasir was among the personalities of Rawalpindi who had created a distinct identity through social service, health and welfare work. He said many prominent personalities had been part of Rawalpindi’s history before and after Partition, but Dr Jamal Nasir had secured a prominent place in the city’s history through his social services. He added that wealth and business do not remain with future generations after a person, but service to humanity and welfare work are always remembered.
Former NPC president Tariq Chaudhry said Dr Jamal Nasir had set an example of simplicity and honesty even while in politics. He said Dr Jamal Nasir avoided the unnecessary use of government resources during his ministry and would bring food from home to the office, which reflected his simplicity and adherence to principles.
Photojournalist Sajjad Haider said a person’s need is felt the most at a hospital, mosque and police station, and one never forgets someone who stands by them in such moments. He said Dr Jamal Nasir had helped journalists, their families and ordinary citizens in difficult times.
Senior journalist Khalid Azeem said even a full-day sitting would not be enough to speak about Dr Jamal Nasir. He said Dr Jamal Nasir was not only a doctor but also a personality with a passion for serving humanity, helping deserving and needy people. He said many people unable to bear treatment expenses were referred to Dr Jamal Nasir and their problems were resolved.
RIUJ President Rana Kausar Ali thanked Dr Jamal Nasir and the participants for attending the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, the National Press Club presented a commemorative shield to Dr Jamal Nasir in recognition of his social, medical and welfare services. A shield was also presented to Gujranwala Union of Journalists Dastoor President Tahir Hussain Hashmi.
A large number of journalists, including senior media persons and office-bearers of journalist organisations, attended the event and paid tribute to Dr Jamal Nasir for his ongoing efforts in the service of humanity.
