Islamabad, November 4,2026: French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noël Poirier visited the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad on Wednesday, where he discussed opportunities for strengthening media relations, professional training and cultural cooperation between Pakistan and France.
The ambassador was warmly received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao and senior journalists.
During the visit, the ambassador planted a sapling at the Press Club and was briefed on its various departments, facilities and journalistic activities.
Welcoming the ambassador, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial said the National Press Club was actively promoting journalists’ welfare, professional training and journalistic activities.
He described the visit as an important development towards strengthening media relations and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and France.
NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao briefed the ambassador on the history and organisational structure of the Press Club, its ongoing initiatives for journalists’ welfare and its professional activities.
He emphasised the importance of training programmes to enhance journalists’ professional capabilities, equip them with modern journalistic skills and provide exposure to international media practices.
Dr. Furqan Rao expressed hope that, with the cooperation of the French Embassy, training workshops and professional sessions would be organised to enhance the capacity of Pakistani journalists.
He said such initiatives would provide journalists with opportunities to learn about modern journalism, communication skills and international journalistic experiences.
He added that the National Press Club was keen to play a positive and constructive role in further strengthening journalistic and cultural relations between Pakistan and France.
Speaking informally with NPC office-bearers and journalists, Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier expressed his willingness to work with Pakistani journalists and explore opportunities for cooperation with the National Press Club.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining communication and exchanging views with journalists.
The discussions also covered opportunities for strengthening mutual contacts, exchanging professional experiences and organising joint activities in the future.
President National Press Club Abdul Razzaq Sial thanked the French ambassador for visiting the Press Club and expressed hope that the engagement would help promote stronger media relations and create new opportunities for professional collaboration between the two countries.
