CEJ-IBA inaugurates Razia Bhatti seminar room

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published July 19, 2018

KARACHI - The Centre for Excellence in Journalism at the Institute of Business Administration (CEJ-IBA) in collaboration with the Razia Bhatti Memorial Initiative Committee inaugurated the Razia Bhatti Seminar Room on Thursday.

The lecture hall, located at the CEJ campus, is dedicated to the memory of the late Razia Bhatti, a veteran journalist who launched Newsline magazine in 1989 after years of working at the Herald monthly magazine.

In his opening remarks, CEJ Director Kamal Siddiqi remembered the time he had worked with Razia Bhatti. “Razia was a beacon for all of us. She worked with full dedication. I never saw her excited or scared when covering a story,” he said. “The work Razia and Newsline Magazine has done over the years will never fade away.”

Siddiqi thanked IBA Dean Dr Farrukh Iqbal, Associate Dean Dr Huma Baqai, IBA board of governors, communications head Malahat Awan, Aman Foundation’s Ahmed Jalal and Umber Khairi, member of the Razia Bhatti Memorial Initiative Committee, who initiated the idea for dedicating a room for Razia.

Dr Baqai lauded Razia for the work she did at a time when the media was going through an era of oppression. “Mass communication is extremely important but you need to keep the true spirit of journalism alive and this is what the Centre for Excellence in Journalism is doing and this was what Razia was all about,” she said. “I’m happy that IBA has dedicated this room to Razia. She fought back in a country that is not nice to women or journalists,” she added.

Umber Khairi, a member of the Razia Bhatti Memorial Initiative committee, recalled Razia’s role as an editor and how she launched Newsline after she was forced to resign from Herald due to editorial pressures.

“It’s a wonderful day not only for Razia’s family, friends, CEJ and IBA but it’s a wonderful day to draft the mission of journalism as we are paying tribute to someone who was very keen in this profession,” said Khairi.

“Her passion, commitment and courage as an editor who inspires everyone who works with her was incredible,” she said. Razia was a person who led from the front without seeking the limelight, she added.

In his concluding remarks, Dawn Editor Zaffar Abbas said that, even at a time when the media was under censorship, Razia was one of the persons who still worked fearlessly. “I never had the opportunity to work directly under her, which was a bit unfortunate. However, whenever I approached her for help she was always ready to help me edit my work,” he added. “Journalists should learn how Razia used to deal with limitations.”

Later, Razia Bhatti’s daughter, Sara Bhatti, unveiled a plaque detailing the life of her mother.

A Razia Bhatti gold medal for investigative journalism was also announced for the graduating Master’s of Science in Journalism class at IBA. Newsline also committed to providing a long-term internship to CEJ students. – A CEJ-IBA media release

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

 April 21, 2025:  After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

 April 21, 2025:  Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

 April 20, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 April 07, 2025:  Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.