Karachi: The News celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday at a lively gathering representing a happy mix of its present and past. The guest list comprised pioneers from the initial days as well as members of its present staff, many of whom were in diapers when the paper was launched in 1991.

Two former editors of the paper, Ghazi Salahuddin and Imran Aslam, who were part of the 1991 launch, rubbed shoulders with senior editorial, management and support staff. It was good to know that they were still key parts of the larger Jang and Geo family. The former editors shared nostalgic anecdotes about the early days with a throng of eager young reporters and sub-editors. In many ways, the past was another world and yet it was also reassuringly familiar.

Also present were staffers from various departments who had been at The News since it was launched two decades ago, a bridge between the old and the new. There were also those who were part of the pioneering team, had moved on and returned to the paper that had given them recognition at a very young age. The News, always generous with its bylines and a launching pad for raw young talent, had always remained a second home for them.

The gathering ended on an upbeat note, with much cake-cutting and popping of flashbulbs. The staff went back to work on the next day’s edition, taking inspiration from their path-breaking past and looking forward to an even more glorious future.
Source: The News
Date:2/12/2011