About IUJ

Our history, mission, and leadership

Shahnawaz Khan

Shahnawaz Khan

Chairman

Leadership

Message from Chairman

Welcome to the official platform of the Islamabad Union of Journalists.

Journalism is widely recognized around the world as the fourth pillar of democracy. A free, responsible, and professional press plays a vital role in strengthening democratic values, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability in society. Journalists act as a bridge between the public and the state, bringing truth to light and raising their voices against injustice, corruption, and wrongdoing.

Journalists dedicate their lives to informing the public, highlighting social issues, and protecting the public interest. They work day and night, often under difficult and risky conditions, to ensure that society remains informed and aware. However, it is also a reality that those who raise their voices for others often face challenges when it comes to their own rights, welfare, and professional security.

With this understanding and concern, the Islamabad Union of Journalists was established to provide a strong, organized, and dignified platform for journalists across Pakistan. Our goal is to unite journalists under one banner where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their welfare is actively supported.

My name is Shahnawaz Khan, and it is an honor for me to serve as the Chairman of this organization. The foundation of this union was not laid for titles or positions, but with the sincere intention of serving the journalist community, strengthening their unity, and safeguarding their professional rights.

The Islamabad Union of Journalists believes that a strong and independent press is essential for a strong and progressive society. When journalists are respected, protected, and empowered, they are able to perform their responsibilities with courage and integrity.

Our mission is to work for the welfare and well-being of journalists in multiple areas. We aim to support journalists in matters related to their children's education, access to healthcare facilities, assistance in legal matters particularly in police stations and courts, and efforts to address housing challenges faced by members of the journalist community.

Furthermore, many journalists working in various media organizations face serious challenges such as delayed salaries, lack of job security, and absence of basic professional rights. The Islamabad Union of Journalists is committed to standing with such journalists and raising its voice for their legitimate rights and dignity.

We also believe that journalism is not merely a profession, it is a mission and a responsibility. A journalist serves as the eyes and ears of society. Through responsible reporting and courageous journalism, they inform the public, hold institutions accountable, and contribute to positive change within the nation.

The Islamabad Union of Journalists considers unity among journalists as its greatest strength. When journalists stand together, they can better protect their rights, strengthen their profession, and elevate the dignity of journalism.

Our executive body is actively working to expand this mission, and we warmly invite journalists from across Pakistan to become part of this platform. Your participation and support will strengthen this organization and help us build a more secure and respectful future for the journalist community.

This organization does not belong to any single individual, it belongs to every journalist in Pakistan. Our purpose is clear: to serve the journalist community, protect their rights, and promote a safe, dignified, and professional environment for journalism.

Let us work together to uphold the honor of journalism, strengthen the voice of truth, and build a future where every journalist feels respected, protected, and empowered.

— Shahnawaz Khan, Chairman IUJ

Our Story

Our Mission and Vision

The Islamabad Union of Journalists (IUJ) stands as a proud and independent voice of the journalistic community in Pakistan's capital. Established with the vision of safeguarding press freedom and protecting the rights of journalists, IUJ has consistently played a vital role in strengthening democratic values and responsible media practices.

Over the years, IUJ has evolved into a dynamic platform that brings together journalists from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to truth, integrity, and public service. Our journey reflects resilience, unity, and a firm belief in the power of journalism as a pillar of democracy.

We have actively worked to promote ethical reporting, ensure the safety and welfare of media professionals, and raise our voice against censorship, intimidation, and injustice. Through advocacy, collaboration, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, IUJ strives to create an environment where journalists can work freely and responsibly.

Our story is not just about an organization — it is about a mission. A mission to uphold freedom of expression, empower journalists, and contribute to a more informed, transparent, and progressive society.

As we move forward, we remain committed to innovation, unity, and excellence in journalism, ensuring that the voice of truth is never silenced.

IUJ Logo
Our Manifesto

Our Manshoor / ہمارا منشور

The founding principles and commitments of the Islamabad Union of Journalists

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Preamble

Journalism is not just a profession — it is a responsibility, a struggle, and a sacred trust.

The Islamabad Union of Journalists has come into existence with the firm belief that until journalists are safe, respected, and empowered, democracy cannot be strengthened, nor can public trust in state institutions be restored.

This union does not represent any individual, group, or vested interest — rather, it is the voice of every journalist in Islamabad who writes the truth, speaks the truth, and refuses to bow down despite pressure.

تمہید

صحافت صرف ایک پیشہ نہیں، یہ ایک ذمہ داری، ایک جدوجہد اور ایک امانت ہے۔

اسلام آباد یونین آف جرنلسٹس اس یقین کے ساتھ وجود میں آ رہی ہے کہ جب تک صحافی محفوظ، باعزت اور بااختیار نہیں ہوگا، اس وقت تک نہ جمہوریت مضبوط ہو سکتی ہے اور نہ ہی ریاستی اداروں پر عوام کا اعتماد بحال ہو سکتا ہے۔

یہ یونین کسی فرد، گروہ یا مفاد کی نمائندہ نہیں، بلکہ اسلام آباد کے ہر اس صحافی کی آواز ہے جو سچ لکھتا، سچ بولتا اور دباؤ کے باوجود قلم نہیں جھکاتا۔

Our Vision

ہمارا نظریہ

An Islamabad where:

  • Journalists work without fear
  • The pen is not blackmailed through employment threats
  • Editorial freedom is protected
  • Journalists are seen not as enemies of the state, but as the mirror of the state

ایک ایسا اسلام آباد جہاں:

  • صحافی خوف کے بغیر کام کرے
  • قلم کو روزگار سے بلیک میل نہ کیا جائے
  • ادارتی آزادی محفوظ ہو
  • صحافی ریاست کا دشمن نہیں بلکہ ریاست کا آئینہ سمجھا جائے

Our Mission

ہمارا مشن

  • 1 To protect the constitutional, legal, and economic rights of journalists
  • 2 To transform journalism from personal interest to a means of collective welfare
  • 3 To provide the journalist community with an organized, dignified, and strong platform
  • 1 صحافیوں کے آئینی، قانونی اور معاشی حقوق کا تحفظ
  • 2 صحافت کو ذاتی مفاد سے نکال کر اجتماعی فلاح کا ذریعہ بنانا
  • 3 صحافی برادری کو ایک منظم، باوقار اور مضبوط پلیٹ فارم دینا

10 Fundamental Points

منشور کے بنیادی نکات

1

Protection and Safety of Journalists

صحافیوں کا تحفظ اور سلامتی

  • Protective mechanisms for journalists working in the field
  • Immediate union intervention in cases of harassment, violence, threats, or pressure
  • Strong opposition to false cases filed against journalists
  • فیلڈ میں کام کرنے والے صحافیوں کے لیے تحفظاتی میکنزم
  • ہراسانی، تشدد، دھمکی یا دباؤ کی صورت میں یونین کی فوری مداخلت
  • صحافیوں کے خلاف جھوٹے مقدمات کی سخت مخالفت
2

Economic Rights and Employment Protection

معاشی حقوق اور روزگار کا تحفظ

  • Timely payment of salaries
  • Protection of rights for contract and daily-wage journalists
  • Organized resistance against forced terminations
  • Struggle for complete implementation of Wage Board Award
  • تنخواہوں کی بروقت ادائیگی
  • کنٹریکٹ و ڈیلی ویجز صحافیوں کے حقوق کا تحفظ
  • جبری برطرفیوں کے خلاف منظم مزاحمت
  • ویج بورڈ ایوارڈ پر مکمل عملدرآمد کے لیے جدوجہد
3

Editorial Freedom and Professional Dignity

ادارتی آزادی اور پیشہ ورانہ وقار

  • No journalist should be punished for news or opinion
  • Resistance against illegal pressure in editorial matters
  • Opposition to making journalists slaves of advertisers, politics, or powerful circles
  • کسی بھی صحافی کو خبر یا رائے پر سزا نہ دی جائے
  • ادارتی معاملات میں غیر قانونی دباؤ کی مزاحمت
  • صحافی کو اشتہار، سیاست یا طاقتور حلقوں کا غلام بنانے کی مخالفت
4

Legal Assistance and Judicial Protection

قانونی معاونت اور عدالتی تحفظ

  • Legal support for arrested journalists or those trapped in cases
  • Establishment of lawyers panel and legal cell
  • Collective representation of journalists on judicial forums
  • گرفتار یا مقدمات میں پھنسائے گئے صحافیوں کے لیے قانونی سپورٹ
  • وکلا پینل اور لیگل سیل کا قیام
  • عدالتی فورمز پر صحافیوں کی اجتماعی نمائندگی
5

Protection and Advancement of Women Journalists

خواتین صحافیوں کا تحفظ اور ترقی

  • Zero tolerance against harassment
  • Safe working environment for women journalists
  • Ensuring inclusion of women in leadership positions
  • ہراسانی کے خلاف زیرو ٹالرنس
  • خواتین صحافیوں کے لیے محفوظ ورکنگ ماحول
  • قیادت میں خواتین کی شمولیت کو یقینی بنانا
6

Rights of Freelance and Digital Journalists

فری لانس اور ڈیجیٹل صحافیوں کے حقوق

  • Full representation of freelance journalists in the union
  • Protective code for those working in digital media
  • Defense of legal rights of YouTubers and online journalists
  • فری لانس صحافیوں کو یونین میں مکمل نمائندگی
  • ڈیجیٹل میڈیا میں کام کرنے والوں کے لیے ضابطہ تحفظ
  • یوٹیوبرز اور آن لائن صحافیوں کے قانونی حقوق کا دفاع
7

Training and Professional Development

تربیت اور پیشہ ورانہ ترقی

  • Training in investigative journalism
  • Digital skills and modern media tools
  • Awareness about ethical journalism and against fake news
  • تحقیقاتی صحافت کی تربیت
  • ڈیجیٹل اسکلز اور جدید میڈیا ٹولز
  • اخلاقی صحافت اور فیک نیوز کے خلاف شعور
8

Union's Autonomy and Transparency

یونین کی خودمختاری اور شفافیت

  • The union will not be a subsidiary of any political party
  • Financial transparency
  • Positions will be trusts, not personal property
  • Mandatory elections upon completion of term
  • یونین کسی سیاسی جماعت کی ذیلی تنظیم نہیں ہوگی
  • مالی شفافیت
  • عہدے ذاتی جاگیر نہیں بلکہ امانت ہوں گے
  • مدت مکمل ہونے پر لازمی انتخابات
9

Dignified Dialogue with State Institutions

ریاستی اداروں سے باوقار مکالمہ

  • No confrontation, but no compromise on principles either
  • Strong stance while remaining within constitutional and legal boundaries
  • Restoration of trust between journalists and the state
  • تصادم نہیں، مگر اصولوں پر سمجھوتہ بھی نہیں
  • آئین اور قانون کے دائرے میں رہتے ہوئے مضبوط موقف
  • صحافی اور ریاست کے درمیان اعتماد کی بحالی
10

Journalist Unity and Solidarity

صحافی اتحاد اور یکجہتی

  • End the gap between senior and junior journalists
  • Reporter, anchor, editor — all are equal
  • An attack on one journalist will be considered an attack on the entire union
  • سینئر اور جونیئر کا فرق ختم
  • رپورٹر، اینکر، ایڈیٹر سب برابر
  • کسی ایک صحافی پر حملہ، پوری یونین پر حملہ تصور ہوگا