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Event Title: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Addressing at a Lunch Hosted by him in The Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-06-25
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani hosted a luncheon in honour of the members of the Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) at Parliament House and addressed the gathering with a comprehensive speech on the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between the Parliament and the media for the advancement of parliamentary democracy.
He emphasized that we live in the age of media, which has evolved rapidly by adopting modern tools and technologies. The media has always played a pivotal role in safeguarding the public’s right to information. He praised journalists for their dedication, integrity, and fact-based reporting, which keeps the public informed and holds the system accountable. A transparent Parliament and a free press, he said, are the true essence of democracy.
Highlighting the crucial role of media, Gilani noted, “Your pen acts as a bridge between the people and those in power. The media’s responsibility in promoting national cohesion and strengthening institutions by highlighting truth is more significant than ever. In today’s environment, the need for responsible journalism has increased manifold. Fake news and misinformation spread through digital platforms undermine public trust.”
Sharing his own journey, he remarked that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, and now as Chairman Senate, he had always taken practical steps to promote journalism and address the concerns of media professionals. “I have a background in journalism myself, and my family has served the political landscape for over 450 years,” he added. He also recalled being unanimously elected as Chairman of the Upper House of Parliament.
Paying tribute to the founding leadership of his political party, he said, “Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gifted the nation the 1973 Constitution, and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto restored its original form through the Charter of Democracy—a remarkable and difficult achievement that was made possible through the strength of Parliament and the people.”
Gilani underlined the Senate’s role in legislating for the protection of journalists’ rights and expressed hope that parliamentary reporters will continue to provide the public with accurate, fact-based information. He assured full support in resolving the issues faced by parliamentary journalists. “I take pride in being the founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, which remains a significant milestone for Pakistan and for me personally,” he added. He also paid tribute to his mentors in journalism, stating that their efforts had greatly contributed to his success.
Chairman Senate also responded in detail to questions raised by PRA members during the event.
Addressing the luncheon, Chairman Senate’s Media Advisor Mian Khurram Rasool thanked Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for hosting the event and acknowledged his tireless efforts in promoting democracy and free press in Pakistan. He said the occasion revived the memory of those who made sacrifices for Pakistan’s creation, democracy, and press freedom.
Senior journalist and founding member of PRA, Hafiz Tahir Khalil (recipient of Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), also addressed the gathering and expressed the hope that such engagement between PRA and the Senate would continue on an annual basis. He emphasized that countering misinformation is a shared responsibility and that journalists serve as a vital link between the public, the government, political parties, and Parliament. “We must fulfill our responsibilities with professionalism and innovation to ensure both the Parliament and the people benefit,” he said. He also expressed hope that just as Chairman Gilani has utilized AI to modernize parliamentary processes, PRA would also benefit from similar advancement.
PRA President Usman Khan thanked the Chairman Senate, Media Advisor, and Senate Media Directorate for their consistent support, and appreciated the cooperation in addressing PRA-related issues. He highlighted that PRA chapters from all four provinces are working responsibly under one umbrella. He also raised concerns about journalists facing financial difficulties and proposed the establishment of an endowment fund to support them. He suggested integrating PRA’s website with the Senate website and initiating capacity-building training for PRA members through the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS).
PRA Secretary Naveed Akbar, in his remarks, stated that journalism and democracy are intrinsically linked and expressed hope that the issues raised would be addressed on a priority basis. He also thanked Chairman Senate and the Senate Media Directorate for their support.
Chairman Gilani assured PRA leadership that the issues highlighted would be resolved and called for a new era built on truth, professionalism, and principled journalism. “Let us move forward together on this democratic journey, striving to build an informed, empowered, and united nation,” he said. He concluded by paying heartfelt tribute to the contributions of journalists and reaffirmed the crucial role of media in national progress and public empowerment.
The luncheon was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan, Senate Secretary Syed Hasnain Haider, and a large number of PRA members.