PFUJ honors the legacy of press freedom champion Nisar Osmani

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 3 September 2024 |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) paid glowing tributes to the late Nisar Osmani, one of Pakistan's most courageous and esteemed journalists, in recognition of his unwavering struggle for press freedom and freedom of expression.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary-General Arshad Ansari honored Osmani's enduring contributions to journalism, highlighting his relentless fight for journalists' rights and press freedom.

"Nisar Osmani was a man of unwavering principles, whose passionate commitment to press freedom and the rights of marginalized communities remains a beacon of light for us all," they stated. "He stood resolute, even in the face of the darkest times, including General Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship," they added.

The PFUJ leadership vowed to uphold the journalistic standards and media freedom set by Osmani and other senior journalists, affirming their duty to safeguard these ideals. His death anniversary is being observed on September 4.

Nisar Osmani began his illustrious career with Dawn in 1953 as a stringer, eventually rising to the position of bureau chief when Dawn established its Lahore bureau. Though he retired in 1991, he continued to contribute as a special correspondent. A progressive journalist and trade unionist, Osmani made his mark during the Ayub era in the 1960s and served in various leadership roles, including President of the Punjab Union of Journalists and PFUJ.

As a founding member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), he served as vice-chairman and council member. Known for his fearless criticism of successive governments, Osmani was imprisoned multiple times but never silenced.

His powerful voice echoed through newspaper columns and confrontations with rulers across significant periods of Pakistan's history, including the Ayub era, Z.A. Bhutto's rule, and General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law.