Ahsan Iqbal Announces Saud Sahir Award To Honour Top Reporting By Young Journalists

The Planning Minister unveiled the award at a condolence reference for veteran journalist Syed Saud Sahir, urging fact-based, ethical reporting and greater attention to investigative and public-interest journalism. ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Nov, 2026) Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has announced the launch of the 'Saud Sahir Award' to recognize the services of senior journalist Syed Saud Sahir and encourage young journalists. He said Saud Sahir's journalistic services are unforgettable, and the award will be given to young journalists for best reporting. He stressed that responsible journalism based on facts is essential for the betterment of the country and promotion of democratic values, and journalists must avoid fake news. He was addressing a condolence reference organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Dastoor at the National Press Club Islamabad in memory of Syed Saud Sahir. Ahsan Iqbal said Saud Sahir spent his entire life upholding high principles of journalism, truth, honesty and professional responsibility. He said in the current era, information spreads very fast due to social media and modern technology, but the challenge of fake news and unverified information has also increased. To maintain the credibility of journalism and public trust, verification of news, accuracy of facts and professional ethics must be observed. He said difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy, but it should not become a source of false news, misleading information and character assassination. He said the Saud Sahir Award will promote healthy competition among young journalists and encourage quality journalism. Through this award, the abilities of young journalists doing best reporting will be recognized and they will be attracted towards investigative, responsible and public-interest journalism. The reference was attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Naib Amir Liaquat Baloch, Dr. Jamal Nasir, National Press Club President Abdul Razaq Sial, senior journalists Haji Nawaz Raza, Rana Kausar Ali, Hafiz Tahir Khalil, Farooq Adil, Dr. Abdul Wadood Qureshi, Sajjad Azhar, Khalid Azeem, Rai Riaz Hussain, and Saud Sahir's son and granddaughters, along with a large number of journalists and people from different walks of life. Speakers paid tribute to Saud Sahir's journalistic struggle, professional honesty, principled stance and bold position on national and journalistic issues, calling his services a guiding light for the new generation. Other speakers said services and experiences of senior journalists like Saud Sahir are a valuable asset for the new generation. They stressed research, impartiality, truth and public interest in journalism. At the end, prayers were offered for Saud Sahir's forgiveness, elevation of ranks and patience for the bereaved family. Participants vowed to carry forward his traditions of principled and truthful journalism.