Nasir Zaidi to receive: ‘Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for courage and freedom of expression’

RAWALPINDI: Veteran journalist and media rights activist Nasir Zaidi has been chosen for the “Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage and Freedom of Expression.”

A four-member committee for deciding the recipient of the award, while announcing the decision, said, “Your lifelong steadfastness in the face of adversity and commitment towards freedom of expression and human rights embodies the values that the award aims to recognize. You have been chosen by an independent jury of eminent personalities in journalism, academia, and the arts, and we are very proud to be honouring you,” the statement of the committee said, says a press release.

Nasir Zaidi is one of those journalists who received public flogging during the dictatorial regime of General Ziaul Haq, and he always stood in front of all the struggles for the freedom of the press and free speech in the country. Despite being in the age group of 70 plus as the Secretary General of Pakistan Federal Union journalists (PFUJ), he fought for the rights of journalists and media workers not only on the streets but also in court of law.

The Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage and Freedom of Expression, named after journalist, poet, writer, and activist Ahfaz-ur-Rahman, is presented and sponsored by the Rahman family. It is dedicated to political and cultural freedom, diversity, and creativity and extends recognition and support for exceptional people who have furthered these causes. Nasir Zaidi will be honoured with the award in a ceremony at the Karachi Arts Council on April 20th of this year.

Meanwhile, HRCP is delighted to announce that its Council member, veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi, is to receive the Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage and Freedom of Expression. Mr Zaidi’s decades-long commitment to press freedom and democracy, including under harsh military regimes, deserves to be recognized and celebrated. It will continue to inspire journalists and rights defenders.