The Pakistan News Agencies Council (PNAC), the representative body of the country’s news agencies, held a meeting in Islamabad on Friday, where new office bearers were elected by consensus for a two-year term. Shakil Ahmed Turabi, Chief Editor of SABAH News, was unanimously chosen as President, while Aftab Chaudhry, Editor of Independent News Pakistan, was elected Vice President.

Other key appointments included Ammar Yasir, Chief Editor of News Network International, as Secretary General; Siddiq Sajid, Editor of Online News Agency, as Vice President; Ansar Mahmood Bhatti, Chief Editor of Diplomatic News Agency, as Finance Secretary; and Adnan Iftikhar of Pakistan Press International as Deputy Secretary. The meeting focused on addressing critical challenges faced by news agencies, with a commitment to resolving these issues through consensus.

The council resolved to strengthen engagement with the government, particularly the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. A representative delegation is set to meet Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials soon to discuss solutions for the sector’s concerns. Highlighting the pivotal role of news agencies, the council emphasized that journalism serves as the fourth pillar of the state, with news agencies acting as the backbone of the media industry.

They play a vital role in delivering timely information to the public and supporting hundreds of journalists. The council urged the government to recognize the importance of news agencies, akin to newspapers and TV channels, and take steps to ensure their stability and the welfare of associated journalists.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)