Ahfaz-ur-Rehman Awards Celebrate Press Freedom, Courage of Expression

 By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted the prestigious Ahfaz-ur-Rehman Awards for Courage of Expression and Freedom of Press, along with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, honoring senior journalist Ali Ahmed Khan for his remarkable contributions to journalism and unwavering commitment to press freedom.

The ceremony, held at Auditorium II, commenced with a presentation on the life and legacy of Ahfaz-ur-Rehman, highlighting his enduring struggle for freedom of expression. The event brought together journalists, labour leaders, social activists, and members of civil society.

A panel discussion on “Struggle for Freedom of Expression in an Environment of Oppression” featured prominent speakers including Mazhar Abbas, Fazil Jamili, Amber Shamsi, and Iqbal Khurshid. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the current media landscape and emphasized the importance of responsible and fearless reporting.

President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award and traditional Ajrak to Ali Ahmed Khan in recognition of his decades-long services to journalism and his role in advocating freedom of the press.

Speaking on the occasion, Mazhar Abbas remarked that journalism gains significance in times of oppression, noting the increasing restrictions on free expression. Fazil Jamili emphasized the resilience of the Karachi Press Club in upholding democratic values despite mounting pressures.

Amber Shamsi highlighted growing divisions within society and stressed the need for principled journalism, while Iqbal Khurshid reflected on historical movements for press freedom, underlining the role of ideology and collective struggle.

In his remarks, Ali Ahmed Khan stated that the fundamental duty of journalists is to connect people by conveying their voices, concerns, and realities, adding that the essence of journalism lies in ensuring the free flow of truth.

The ceremony also featured a musical performance based on Ahfaz-ur-Rehman’s poetry and the distribution of awards among Mass Communication students from the University of Karachi.

The event concluded with a collective resolve by speakers and participants to continue the struggle for freedom of expression and uphold the principles of responsible journalism despite prevailing challenges.