JournalismPakistan.com | Published July 19, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI — Friends and colleagues gathered at the Centre for Excellence in Journalism on Friday to remember Idrees Bakhtiar and Anil Datta, veteran journalists who passed away recently.
The News' reporter Zia Ur Rehman described his colleague Mr. Datta as a thorough gentleman. He had command over writing, with a brilliant taste in music and art, he said adding that "the newsroom misses him a lot.”
Also speaking at the condolence reference, Afia Salam said the journalist fraternity had lost two great role models in Mr. Bakhtiar and Mr. Datta. "While we mourn their loss, we can best celebrate their life by emulating the high standards of quality journalism conducted in an unbiased manner with great personal integrity," she said.
Many people had come to pay tribute to their former colleagues.
Former Information Minister Javed Jabbar said: “Despite being different both Anil and Idrees were very similar, the fairness of mind and morality were the personality attributes of both personalities."
Veteran journalist Qaiser Mehmood described Mr. Bakhtiar as a member of his family. "I was taught by Idrees how to write; the sad part is that all the knowledge Idrees had has gone with him.”
He added Mr. Bakhtiar was a pioneer of investigative journalism.
Secretary Karachi Press Club Arman Sabir was also present at the condolence reference. "Idrees was my mentor, and I have learned many things from him," he said. He described Mr. Datta as the highlight of the press club.
President of Karachi Press Club Imtiaz Faran said: “Anil and Idrees were legends of journalism, and no one can replace the work they have done for journalism." - A CEJ media release
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.