The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has officially announced the election of its new leadership, with veteran journalist Azhar Abbas elected as president and Tariq Mahmood as general secretary. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks a significant transition for the broadcast journalists' body as it navigates a challenging media landscape in Pakistan.
According to the formal election results, Muhammad Usman and Mian Tahir have been elected as vice presidents. The administrative team is further strengthened by the appointment of Rehan Ahmed and Nadeem Jamal as joint secretaries, while Shahab Mahmood has been entrusted with the responsibilities of finance secretary.
The election process was conducted through the association's General Council, with simultaneous meetings held in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. These sessions were instrumental in finalizing the composition of the executive committee, ensuring representation from major media hubs across the country.
The newly elected members of the executive committee include a diverse group of media professionals: Zahid Mazhar, Masoom Rizvi, Mohsin Raza, Mubarak Ali, Kamran Lashari, Humayun Saleem, Muhammad Naushad Khawaja, Hasnain, and Razaq Sarohi. This team is tasked with steering the association through the upcoming term.
During the proceedings, the General Council expressed grave concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom in Pakistan. Members highlighted the growing trend of utilizing government powers and state institutions to restrict independent journalism, which they argue undermines the democratic fabric of the nation.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the alleged misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The council specifically voiced apprehension regarding the recent actions taken by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), noting that such measures often create an environment of intimidation for media practitioners.
The council also addressed the rise of unregulated digital content creators. It observed that the irresponsible conduct of certain YouTubers, who operate under the guise of journalism, appears to serve personal or political agendas rather than the public interest.
However, the association was quick to clarify its stance on regulation. It stressed that while professional standards are necessary, the actions of a few individuals cannot justify imposing sweeping restrictions on the media industry as a whole.
The General Council resolved that the newly elected executive committee would prioritize a comprehensive review of the media environment. This includes holding detailed internal discussions to formulate a unified strategy.
Following these consultations, the association plans to issue a formal, detailed statement outlining its official position on the current challenges facing the Pakistani media, ensuring that the collective voice of electronic media editors is heard clearly by all stakeholders.