End of an era

Mir Javed-ur-Rahman, chairman, printer, and publisher of the Jang Group passed away after a battle against lung cancer at a Karachi private hospital on Tuesday. Mir Javed, the elder brother of Jang/Geo Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, was not able to meet his only brother before his demise as Mir Shakil was unable to reach Karachi in time. He had been given a day to do so by NAB, in the custody of whom he is currently being held. Mir Javed-ur-Rahman was known as a quiet, humble man devoted to the magazine publications of the group in particular. He had carried forward the traditions of his late father Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman, a visionary who built the media empire from scratch. Like Mir Khalil, Mir Javed was a fearless journalist devoted to the truth and played a big role in turning the Jang Group into the biggest media house in the country. He stood strong under severe pressures at various times and was known as being a thoughtful employer who genuinely cared about the journalists and other employees who worked under him.

Condolences have poured in from across the country over the demise of Mir Javed. President Arif Alvi offered sincere condolences to the entire family as did the PML-N’s Shahbaz Sharif and the PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto; in fact, key politicians from all sides of the political divide offered their tributes. They reminded all of us of the significant role played by Mir Javed-ur-Rahman and his family in building journalism in Pakistan and the importance that a free media holds within the country. It is tragic that as he suffered his last days of illness, his younger brother remained in custody miles away. Mir Javed through his lifetime set important traditions and was known as a particularly soft-spoken person. The media in Pakistan has lost an enormously important personality with the passing of Mir Javed-ur-Rahman. He will be mourned for a very long time since it is difficult to replace men of his standing and his wisdom. We can only hope others will be inspired to try.