On May 2, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) conducted its annual elections, resulting in the election of new office-bearers. Prominent journalist Kazim Khan was re-elected as President, with Ayaz Khan assuming the role of Senior Vice President. The elections were held in Karachi, providing representation for newspaper editors across Pakistan.
Kazim Khan, Executive Editor of Daily Dunya, retained his position as President, while Ayaz Khan, Group Editor of Daily Express, was elected Senior Vice President. Other key positions were filled: Ghulam Nabi Chandio as Secretary General and Tanveer Shaukat as Deputy Secretary General. Arif Baloch was elected Finance Secretary, with Munza Saham taking on the role of Information Secretary.
The CPNE ensured regional representation through the election of Vice Presidents for different areas: Qazi Asad Abid for Sindh, Shakeel Turabi for Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Ahmed Hassan for Punjab, Tahir Farooq for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Anwar Sajidi for Balochistan. Additionally, Babar Nizami and Yahya Saduzai were elected as Joint Secretaries for Punjab and Rawalpindi/Islamabad, respectively.
The newly formed Standing Committee includes members such as Hamid Hussain Abidi, Sardar Muhammad Siraj, and Sher Muhammad Khawar, Abdul Rehman Mangreo, Zia Tanoli, Mudassar Iqbal and Shahzad Amin, among others.
During the annual general meeting, discussions centred on the future of print media, the influence of digital platforms, and economic challenges. Kazim Khan announced that World Press Freedom Day would be observed as a year of “resistance and protection of press freedom” in 2026. Efforts to counter fake news, the influence of dummy newspapers, and narratives shaped by political parties were also highlighted.
Concerns were raised about the reduction in government advertising, which has financially impacted newspapers and magazines. Participants called for government support in the form of subsidies and fair advertisement distribution. The meeting also underscored the necessity of integrating print and digital media to uphold journalistic standards.
A special condolence session was held for the late Amir Mahmood, former CPNE Secretary General, acknowledging his contributions to press freedom. The meeting concluded with Kazim Khan and Ghulam Nabi Chandio expressing gratitude to participants and the CPNE secretariat staff.
Congratulations were extended to the newly elected office-bearers by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The chief minister expressed hope that the CPNE leadership would promote free and responsible journalism while safeguarding national interests.
