Punjab's Info Minister Azma Bukhari Honors Award-Winning Journalists at Exclusive Dinner
Lahore, April 28 — Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari organized an elegant dinner event in Lahore to celebrate and acknowledge prominent journalists who have been bestowed with Pakistan’s highest civilian honors due to their exceptional service to journalism and the country.
The distinguished attendees included eminent veteran journalist and host Nasrullah Malik, along with Kamran Shahid, Muneeb Farooq, and Muzammil Suharwardi, all recipients of the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award. Notably, seasoned reporter Salman Ghani received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz accolade. Prominent members of the press corps joined high-ranking government representatives such as Punjab Information Secretary Tahir Raza Hamdani, DGPR Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, and additional top officials from the information department at this grand gathering.
At the event, Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari commended the recipients for their long-standing commitment to journalism, highlighting how their work bolsters democratic principles and keeps citizens informed. She stressed that reliable and evidence-backed reporting forms the bedrock of ethical journalism. The minister also warned against those operating on YouTube and similar channels who lack validation and journalistic integrity, stating that such individuals should not be regarded as genuine reporters since they may deceive the public under false pretenses. "These people are confusing audiences by improperly using the term 'media,'" she stated emphatically.
The minister confirmed the administration's dedication to tackling the issues confronting the media sector and emphasized that authentic, evidence-driven reporting—even when it criticizes the government—is greatly esteemed and appreciated.
She also communicated the message from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing her firm commitment to backing the media sector and ensuring that journalists can carry out their crucial tasks with respect and liberty. “The Punjab administration acknowledges and values the contribution of ethical journalism to societal progress,” she stated. Senior journalist Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, along with Saleem Bukhari and Hafeezullah Niazi, among others, addressed the gathering.
The night ended with recognition of the notable work done by the esteemed journalists, fostering an atmosphere of reciprocal respect and backing between the administration and the press community.