Journalist and unionist C. R. Shamsi passes away

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 September 2021

ISLAMABAD—Senior journalist and former Secretary General of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) C. R. Shamsi died of cardiac arrest on Friday. He is survived by a widow, four sons, and a daughter.

Shamsi, 62, worked for many national dailies in different positions. Most recently, he was managing a web channel named Rasta TV and Weekly Pakistani.

He started his journalism career in 1975 in Rawalpindi. As an active trade unionist, he held PFUJ positions. He served as PFUJ general secretary, and throughout his career, fought for press freedom and journalists' rights.

He also played an active role in the implementation of wage board awards for newspapers' employees.

Fouzia Shahid, his long-time colleague, said Shamsi's demise was a big loss for the journalist community.

She said that Shamsi was a voice of journalists and always stood by workers. "Even in the recent dharna against the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority, he spent the whole night in front of Parliament House."

Pervez Shaukat, President of PFUJ (Workers), said: "A sincere trade union leader has left us. We started our union journey together and established active RIUJ. Shamsi was a dear friend and will always be remembered. He worked hard for the poor workers. I am shocked to hear of his sudden death."

Sabah Uddin Qazi, Editor, Press Network of Pakistan, expressed shock. "He was very kind. He invited me to visit his residence to see his Rasta TV news setup, but I didn't find the time. He was always worried about press conditions in Pakistan. He will be badly missed."