March 23, 2024
BILAL BASEER
ISLAMABAD:
A four-member committee appointed for the Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage and Freedom of Expression recently announced Nasir Zaidi, a veteran journalist and media rights activist, as this year’s recipient.
The award, named after the late Ahfaz-ur-Rahman, a stalwart in journalism and activism in Pakistan, is granted to journalists, writers, and poets advocating for political and cultural freedom.
Nasir Zaidi will receive the lifetime achievement award for his steadfastness in raising his dissenting voice through his writings, especially during the Zia regime, when he was flogged. The ceremony is scheduled for April 20 at the Karachi Arts Council.
Khawar Naeem Hashmi, a journalist who was flogged alongside Zaidi, praised the decision to present the award to him while speaking to Voicepk. He discussed the challenges faced by Zaidi in upholding democracy during the Martial Law, expressing pride in enduring the flogging as a commitment to the cause.
Hashmi recalled their arrest in 1978 and subsequent imprisonment until 1982. They were tried, punished, and subjected to the humiliation of being forced to strip before enduring the flogging. “During the flogging, despite his fragile condition, Zaidi did not cry out. He earned much admiration from fellow prisoners,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction that the award was bestowed on a deserving person, honouring the legacy of Ahfaz ur Rehman, who was a staunch advocate for journalistic freedom.
“Ahfaz ur Rahman considered the journalist movement of 1977-78 a pivotal moment for press freedom,” said Mehnaz Rehman, wife of late Ahfaz ur Rahman. “Four journalists, including Nasir Zaidi, faced lashes and earned admiration from the entire journalist community for their dedication to press freedom,” she added.
“I believe the award presented to Nasir Zaidi is one of the best things to happen,” said Ayub Malik, President of the National Party Punjab.
Ayub endorsed the importance of the media in strengthening democratic institutions and criticized those who obstruct democracy. “Now is the time to allow the media to operate freely and ensure that all segments of society receive their due rights,” he said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan acknowledged Zaidi’s decades-long commitment to press freedom and democracy, including under harsh military regimes. The organisation asserted that he deserves to be recognized and celebrated.