ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has lauded the role of sports journalists as the driving force behind Pakistan’s sporting spirit, calling them the true ambassadors of the nation on the global stage. He acknowledged their relentless efforts in promoting sports and pledged the government’s full support to strengthen their work and visibility.
Information minister made these remarks while addressing the World Sports Journalists Day event and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), held with the support of Serena Hotel which attended by CEO of Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani, Olympian Shahbaz Senior, Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui, Boxer Usman Wazeer, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Afzal Butt, National Press Club Islamabad (NPC) Secretary Nayyar Ali, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, senior journalist Alia Rasheed, and office-bearers from various sports bodies, associations and media organizations.
Attaullah Tarar said that sports journalists have been a source of hope for many athletes, helping them reach international platforms. “Had there been no sports journalists, public interest in competitions would have declined. Their role in promoting sports is commendable,” he stated. He further acknowledged that sports journalism has played a key role in highlighting various competitions, fostering sportsmanship, and bringing athletes’ talent to the forefront.
“I salute those associated with sports journalism in Pakistan,” the minister added. “Pakistan’s achievements in international sports are closely tied to the efforts of sports journalists. Whatever support they require from the government—be it for coverage or promotion—we will provide it. We are committed to moving a step forward to support them.”
Thanking Serena Hotel for hosting the event, Tarar praised its ongoing contributions to sports through its “Sports Diplomacy” initiative. He noted that such collaborations between the private sector and the government are essential for strengthening the country’s sports infrastructure and visibility.
Speaking on the occasion, CEO Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani emphasized the importance of backing sports and young talent in Pakistan. “Our athletes are immensely talented, and they need our support to raise Pakistan’s flag high on the global stage,” he said.
He reiterated Serena’s commitment to promoting sports in Pakistan through ongoing events and partnerships. “Under Serena’s Sports Diplomacy initiative, we will continue supporting all kinds of sports,” Boolani said, highlighting the company’s role in providing platforms for athletes and journalists alike.
During the ceremony, Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar also administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers of RISJA. President PFUJ Afzal Butt, Secretary NPC Nayyar Ali, President RISJA Abu Bakar bin Talat, Patron Abdul Mohi Shah, and Chairman Shakeel Awan also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of sports journalism in the country.
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