Paris, May 05, 2026(Kamran Raja): A delegation of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), led by its President Rana Azeem, called on the Ambassador of Pakistan to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in Paris today.
The Ambassador warmly welcomed the delegation and underscored the vital role of journalism in strengthening democratic societies. She noted that the media serves as the backbone of informed public discourse and plays a key role in projecting a positive and balanced image of Pakistan at the international level.
Ambassador Baloch briefed the delegation on the evolving Pakistan-France bilateral relations and highlighted the Embassy’s initiatives to enhance cooperation in trade, culture, academia, and media. She also shared insights into the role of UNESCO in the fields of communication and information, as well as Pakistan’s ongoing contributions and initiatives at the organization.
During the meeting, PFUJ President Rana Azeem apprised the Ambassador of the Centenary Congress of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), being held from May 5 to 7, 2026. The landmark gathering brings together over 300 representatives from journalists’ unions and associations worldwide to commemorate 100 years of international solidarity in journalism and to develop joint strategies for addressing emerging global challenges.
The delegation also briefed the Ambassador on PFUJ’s five-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening professional standards, safeguarding journalists’ rights, and enhancing institutional capacity. Members of the delegation appreciated the efforts of Pakistani diplomats in effectively presenting Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global issues, including last year’s conflict with India and Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in promoting peace and mediation in the Middle East.
The delegation comprised Rana Azeem, Shakeel Ahmed, Tariq Usmani, Javeria Siddiqui, G. M. Jamali, Abdur Razzaq Sial, Saima Siddique, Asmatullah Hashwani, Ashraf Majeed, Ahtsham-ul-Haq, Syed Sana Zahra, Mazhar Amanat, and Namrah Nadir.