Chairman, printer, publisher of Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman passes away

KARACHI: Chairman, Printer, Publisher of the Jang Group, Mir Javed Rahman, the eldest son of the late visionary Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, and elder brother of Jang-Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, passed away in Karachi on Tuesday.

He had been under treatment at a private hospital in Karachi and had been battling sugar and lung cancer. He was 73.

His Namaz-e-Janaza will be held on Wednesday in the KDA Scheme 1 after Zuhr prayers. However, family members insisted that it will be a private family event due to the current health crisis.

His younger brother, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, who has been in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a 34-year-old property case in Lahore, could not see his ailing brother when he was in critical condition, despite seeking permission.

After Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari had written a letter to NAB chairman for allowing Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman to meet his critically ill brother, the anti-graft body’s head granted him one day’s permission to visit his elder brother, who was admitted to the hospital. However, due to some procedural impediments, the NAB chairman’s directive could not be implemented on Monday. On Tuesday, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman reached Karachi to attend the funeral of his elder brother.

Mir Javed Rahman had inherited from his father, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, the twin qualities of being a fearless journalist and someone who would relentlessly pursue the truth. Under his visionary leadership, the Jang Group became the leading media house in Pakistan, operating newspapers, magazines, and TV channels across the country. The Jang Group, under the guidance of Mir Javed Rahman, learned to stand up for the truth despite severe economic pressures exerted on it by several powerful individuals over the past few decades. Mir Javed Rahman instilled the culture of free expression at the Jang Group and imprinted several important legacies on the heart of the organisation, chief of them being the value of service to the people.

Today, the secret to the success of the Jang Group lies in the professionalism of its journalists, analysts and opinion writers, who have followed in the footsteps of Mir Javed Rahman to fearlessly speak the truth to power.

Meanwhile, politicians and people from all walks of life condoled the sad demise of Mir Javed Rahman and condemned the federal government and the National Accountability Bureau for not allowing his younger brother Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman to meet him before his passing. They also prayed that family members of Mir Javed Rahman and people working at the Jang Group and Geo bear the loss with fortitude.President Arif Alvi termed Mir Javed Rahman “a very soft spoken and nice man” in a condolence message on Twitter. "How sad. Mir Javed Rahman passed away. Very soft spoken and nice man. Had known him and his family all my life. Talked to family yesterday to find out about his health. May Allah give them the strength to bear this loss," he said in his tweet.

The COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar also offered condolences to the family on the demise.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s central president and former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif offered his condolences, saying that Mir Javed Rahman had perpetuated the legacy of his father by contributing indelibly to the field of journalism. “He had the honour of spearheading an institution which always made strides in favour of the nation and the country,” said the PML-N president.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief at the death of Mir Javed Rahman, offering condolences to the family of the deceased. Bilawal said that the journalistic efforts made by Mir Javed Rahman will always be remembered. “Mir Javed Rahman was a torchbearer of his father’s legacy of freedom of expression.” In a condolence message, he expressed his profound grief and sorrow with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and other family members. He appreciated the services of Mir Javed Rehman for journalism in Pakistan and said that Javed Rehman was an advocate for freedom of expression. The PPP chairman prayed to Almighty Allah to grant peace to the departed soul and strength and fortitude to the family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

Former president and President PPP Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari condoled the death of chairman and printer and publisher Jang Group Mir Javed Rehman. In his condolence message, former president Asif Ali Zardari said the services of Mir Javed Rahman for the freedom of media were unforgettable. He expressed his profound grief and sorrow with Editor-in-Chief of Geo-Jang Group Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and other family members. Zardari prayed to Almighty Allah to grant peace to the departed soul and strength and fortitude to the family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi and members of the party’s Rabita Committee also offered condolences on the demise of Mir Javed Rahman. “His thirty-year-long journalistic services are an asset of Pakistan's journalism,” said Siddiqi in a statement.

PML-N lawmaker Khawaja Saad Rafique offered his condolences and regretted that Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman could not meet his brother as he was under NAB's detention.

PML-N spokesperson and former state minister of information Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Jang Group publisher, offering condolence to the bereaved family. “Mir Javed Rahman’s services to journalism, democracy, Constitution and the law, and for the nation will always be remembered,” she stated.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that the deceased was a "down to earth man who never raised his voice".

PPP Punjab President Qamar Zaman Kaira offered his condolences to the Rahman family on the demise of Mir Javed Rahman, remembering Mir Javed as a leader of journalists. “Mir Javed Rahman led the Jang Group after the demise of his father. The demise of Mir Javed Rahman heralds the end of an era in fearless journalism," Kaira said in his condolence message.

Former Prime Minister and President Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and MNA Moonis Elahi expressed their heartfelt sorrow and grief over the demise of Chairman and printer and Publisher of Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman. Paying tributes to the Jang Group founder the late Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman’s eldest son and elder brother of Editor-in-Chief of Geo-Jang Group Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman for his journalistic services in the interest of the country and the nation, they said that he played a very important role in carrying further Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman’s journalistic inheritance. Expressing their heartfelt condolences and sympathy with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, Mir Ibrahim and bereaved family members, the PML leaders prayed for blissful rest in peace for the departed soul and solace and patience for the bereaved family members. They said that they shared the sorrow of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, Mir Ibrahim and bereaved family members. Talking to Geo News, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi said that they had very old family relations with the Mir family, Mir Javed Rahman carried his father Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman’s journalistic inheritance further, besides his own institution he had the welfare of all other journalists near to his heart and took care of them; he was very sympathetic and pleasant to meet. May Almighty Allah shower his soul with His blessings. He described Mir Javed as a "humble and sympathetic" man.

Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani on Tuesday said he was saddened to know about the passing away of Jang Group publisher Mir Javed Rahman and added his services to the field of journalism would always be remembered. In a statement issued here, he noted that the late Mir Javed was a good person and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant patience and fortitude to the grieving family to bear this grief.

In a separate statement, Deputy Chairman Senate Salim Mandviwalla said he was deeply saddened on the demise of elder son of late Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, Mir Javed-ur-Rahman and he observed that his services of giving new dimensions to journalism would always be remembered. He added Mir Javed was a sincere and social person. He prayed for grant of eternal peace to the departed soul in Jannah and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant to PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Mir Javed and said that his services to the field of journalism would be remembered for a long time.

Former foreign minister and eminent political leader Mian Khrushid Mahmood Kasuri offered his heartfelt condolences and grief over the demise of Chairman and publisher of Jang Group Mir Javed Rehman who passed away in Karachi on Tuesday. He prayed for the departed soul.

In a message here on Tuesday evening, the former foreign minister expressed his profound sympathy with the family of the late journalist and said Mir Javed Rahman was a man of principles and a symbol of freedom of media who put up relentless efforts for upholding of truth. He said that the Jang Group, under the guidance of Mir Javed, learned to stand up for the truth despite intense pressures. Mian Kasuri offered sincere condolences to the mother, widow, Mir Shakil, Mir Ibrahim and other family members on passing away of Mir Javed and said it is also the loss of those have been striving for the media freedom in the country and keen to see upholding of neat and clean journalism in the country. The late chairman of Jang Group had incomparable contributions for journalism in the country who grew up with Pakistan and always kept the interest of the country close to his heart. It is the end of an era in journalism of the country, he added.

Kasuri said that Mir Javed Rahman’s services for the country, who didn’t compromise on the interests of the nation for one single moment, will never be forgotten. He regretted about the circumstances in which Mir Javed Rahman had his last breath and said his younger brother Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman was confined in a disputed matter away in Lahore in the days when the country like the whole world was in the grip of a pandemic and wasn’t permitted to see his illustrious brother who had the desire to talk to him before end of his life. Kasuri prayed for the family of late Mir Javed Rahman to bear the irreparable loss.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief and condolence over the passing away of the publisher of the Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman. In his condolence message on the occasion, the Sindh CM eulogized the services of late Mir Javed Rahman for the famous publications of the Jang Group. He also prayed for the departed soul and for the perseverance of the bereaved family members.

The Awami National Party chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan, expressed sorrow over the demise. Through a statement issued from the Bacha Khan Markaz, he said not allowing the Jang Group Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman to meet his elder brother Mir Javed Rahman was a condemnable act. He said if the charges against Mir Shakil were not proved, who would be held responsible for his troubles.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar and Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the demise of Mir Javed Rahman. They extended heartfelt sympathies and condoled with the bereaved family members.

Also, former federal minister and chairman National Kashmir Alliance (NKA) Muhammad Ali Durrani expressed sorrow over the demise of Mir Javed Rahman. In his condolence message, Durrani said Mir Javed Rahman was the leader of the largest media group of the country, which had been guiding the Muslims of both India and Pakistan for over 81 years on the ideological foundations of Muslims, intellectual progress and social affairs. He said the death of Mir Javed was more tragic as it occurred at a time when his brother Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman was in prison, struggling for the freedom of press.

Religious leaders

Leading religious scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani said that the demise of Mir Javed Rahman was a big loss for the Muslim world, saying the news had shaken him personally as well. “His death is a big loss to the Muslim world and filling the vacuum he has left behind will not be easy,” said the scholar.

Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman, a leading religious scholar and head of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, offered his condolences on the demise of Mir Javed Rahman and said Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, Daily Jang’s founder, had devoted his entire family to journalism. “Jang Group and Geo have rendered sacrifices for the press freedom in the country,” he said.

In a condolence message, Qari Muhammad Usman, member of the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-F central Shura, paid tributes to Mir Javed Rahman’s services for journalism and the country. He also condemned Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman’s arrest in a baseless case and said that current incompetent rulers had not and could not pressure one of the biggest media groups through such tactics.

Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, Pakistan Sunni Tehreek head and MWM head Allama Abbas Naqvi also expressed deep shock and grief over the sad demise Mir Javed.

The Jamaat-e-Islami KP Chapter chief, Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, paid tributes to late Mir Javed Rahman for the services he had rendered in journalism. He prayed to Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Mukhtar Ahmad Swati, the president of Islah-e-Rasoom, a religious body, in his message prayed for the departed soul.

Other political leaders

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman extended her condolences and described Mir Javed as an important personality in the field of journalism who always stood up for freedom of expression.

Awami National Party Sindh president and former senator Shahi Sayed issued a statement, saying he was “deeply saddened to hear the demise of Mir Javed Rahman”. He also prayed that the departed soul rests in eternal peace and that the bereaved family bears the irreparable loss.

PPP MPA and women wing head Faryal Talpur and Senator Sassui Palijo in separate statements offered condolences on the death of Mir Javed Rahman and said that his services for journalism and upholding democracy will be remembered forever.

PML-N Sindh President Shah Muhamamd Shah, Karachi President Salman Khan and other leaders also offered condolences on the demise of Mir Javed Rahman and said that the party stands by the family in this hour of grief.

Pak Sarzameen Party chief Mustafa Kamal in a statement expressed his condolences on Mir Javed Rahman’s demise. “His services in the field of journalism will be remembered forever,” he said.

Miftah Ismail, former federal minister for finance, offered heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Mir Javed Rahman. He said may Allah rest his soul in peace and may Allah give the Jang-Geo family the fortitude to bear this loss. The jailing of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman at this point is cruel and unjust and we pray that he is released soon. His was not allowed to meet his dying brother, which is beyond cruel.

Senator (retd) Javed Jabbar, former federal information minister said: "Mir Javed ur Rahman's demise marks the loss of a major contributor to the advancement of media in Pakistan. His professional stature and role was accompanied by an exceptionally soft-spoken, cultured personality that endeared him to all those who inter-acted with him. He most fittingly represented and sustained the pioneering legacy and personal attributes of his distinguished father, the late Mir Khalilur Rahman. May Allah bless his soul with serenity and give all members of his family the strength to bear this loss with fortitude."

The MPA of Grand Democratic Alliance Nusrat Saher Abbasi expressed her deep shock and grief over the sad demise of Mir Javed.

Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation and Narcotics Control and Parliamentary Affairs Mukesh Kumar Chawla in his condolence message said that the late Mir Javed Rahman was a big name of the media industry. His death has created a gap.

Sindh Minister for Industries & Commerce and Cooperative Department & Anti-Corruption Jam Ikramullah Dharejo said that the services of Mir Javed Rahman to journalism would always be remembered.

In his condolence message, Ghulam Murtaza Baloch, Minister for Human Settlements and Special Development, said that no one could deny Mir Javed's journalistic services and that journalism had lost a major journalist following his death.

Special Assistant to CM Sindh on Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar said that in this hour of grief, he expressed his deep grief to the Jang Group and he stood with them in this difficult time.

Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh also expressed condolence over the passing away of the publisher of Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman.

He praised the services of the late publisher of the Jang Group for introducing modern trends and practices in the journalism scene of the country.

President of PPP Sindh Chapter Nisar Ahmed Khuhro also expressed condolence over the demise of the publisher of Jang Group.

Sindh Law and Environment Adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Information and Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, and Sindh Education and Labour Minister Saeed Ghani have also expressed condolences over the demise of the publisher of Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman.

In their condolence messages, the members of the Sindh cabinet praised the decades-long efforts and services of the deceased for promoting the print, electronic, and news media in the country.

Sindh Minister for Information Syed Nasir Husain Shah said it is tragic for the press and media services of Mir Saheb will be remembered in golden words.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to place the departed soul in eternal peace

Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister Waqar Mehdi expressed his deep shock and grief over the sad demise and his praised his services for the freedom of press.

Sindh Minister for Education Saeed Ghani expressed his heartfelt condolence over the sad demise of Mir Javed.

The newly-elected MPA, Sharmila Farooqi, has expressed her heartfelt condolence over the sad demise of Mir Javed.

The leader of the opposition in Sindh Assembly, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, expressed his heartfelt condolence over the sad demise of Publisher Daily Jang and prayed to Alimgthy Allah to place the departed soul in eternal peace and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this tragic loss.

Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) leaders expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise. In a joint statement, QWP head Aftab Ahmad Sherpao and the party’s provincial head Sikandar Hayat Sherpao extended condolences to the bereaved family. They said the deceased had rendered great services for the promotion of journalism and press freedom and the void created after his death could not be filled. The QWP leaders recalled that the deceased was a strong proponent of freedom of the press and known for soft-spoken nature and decency. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz central leader and former federal minister for religious affairs, Sardar Mohammad Yousuf, expressed sorrow over the death. The central PML-N Senior Vice President termed the death of the Jang Group Publisher a great loss to the nation and his family.

APNS

Hameed Haroon, President, Sarmad Ali, Secretary General, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, on behalf of the office bearers and members of the society have expressed profound grief over the sad demise of Mir Javed Rahman, Group Chairman, Publisher and Executive Editor of the Jang Media Group. Mir Javed Rahman’s journalistic career stretched over half a century. He had been groomed by his late father the fabled Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, from whom the got his journalistic vision and foresight. Mir Javed Rahman worked tirelessly for the newspaper industry in his capacity as President, Vice President and Secretary General of the APNS. The APNS office-bearers expressed their condolence and prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in peace and give patience to bereaved colleagues and family to bear the irreparable loss.

Leading busineessmen/Others

Top businessmen Ishtiaq Baig and Ikhtiar Baig deeply condoled the death of Mir Javed Rahman.

Syed Zia Askari Naqvi and Pirzada Masroor Raza Siddiquie, partners of Naqvi & Siddiquie Associates (Pakistan), said it was very painful to learn about the sad demise of Mir Javed Rahman, Chief of Jang Group. "We had remained associated with deceased on various projects of Jang & Geo and found him a upright personality, dedicated professional, hard working and courteous to his fellow professionals. His departure seems to be our personal loss. Kindly accept our and our staff’s heartfelt condolences. May Almighty Allah shower His blessings on him and he may be rewarded with highest place in Jannah."

Sukkur/ Larkana

Politicians, journalists, traders and civil society of Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, Larkana, Nausharoferoz and Hyderabad paid rich tributes to the late chairman, printer, publisher of the Jang Group, Mir Javed Rahman, and the elder brother of Jang-Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman. They said that Mir Javed Rahman had inherited from his father, Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, the twin qualities of being a fearless journalist and someone who would relentlessly pursue the truth. Under his visionary leadership, the Jang Group became the leading media house in Pakistan, operating newspapers, magazines, and TV channels across the country. The Jang Group, under the guidance of Mir Javed Rahman, learned to stand up for the truth despite severe economic pressures exerted on it by several powerful individuals over the past few decades. Meanwhile, journalists hoisted black flags on the press clubs and announced three-day mourning in their respective cities.

APNEC

General Secretary, All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (APNEC), Shakil Yamin Kanga, and leaders of CBAs of Jang Group Dara Zafar, Saeed Mohiuddin Pasha, and Rana Muhammad Yousuf expressed their deep condolences to the Editor-in-Chief Jang/Geo Group Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman on the sad demise of his elder brother and Chairman Jang Group Mir Javed Rahman. While meeting with Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and Mir Ibrahim-ur-Rahman, the leaders of the workers’ Unions said the group has lost the great leader and expert of his trade. They expressed condolences to the bereaved families over the sad demise and prayed to Almighty Allah to confer courage to bear the loss.

The leaders warned the government for ultimate repercussions and demanded to stop playing dirty politics and using the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) as tool to silence the media. They said at the time of crisis when the entire nation was facing serious threat of the coronavirus outbreak, rather devising safety of the nation, PM Imran and company were taking revenge against Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman.

The leaders said the workers' Unions and journalist organisations assured their full support to the Editor-in-Chief of Jang and Geo Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman and prayed that Almighty Allah would bring him out of it successfully. On the occasion, Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman thanked all of them who were fighting for his release and expressed the best wishes to them.