Islamabad, December 17,2024: The National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad hosted a grand inauguration ceremony for its newly renovated main conference hall. The event’s chief guest was Turkey’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Irfan Nazir Oglu, who lauded the collaboration between NPC and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA), which provided significant support for the hall’s refurbishment.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by renowned Pakistani Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali. Secretary of NPC and Chairperson of the Women Journalists Caucus, Nayyar Ali moderated the ceremony.
Ambassador Irfan Nazir Oglu congratulated NPC on the successful completion of the renovation project, highlighting the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye. “Whether in times of joy or adversity, our two nations have always stood by each other,” he said. He praised TiKA’s efforts, emphasizing that the renovated hall meets international standards, and commended NPC for its commendable services to its members.
Speaking on the occasion, TiKA’s Head of Department, Dursun Ali, described the friendship between Pakistan and Turkey as unparalleled. He reaffirmed TiKA’s commitment to further strengthening its collaboration with NPC.
President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, expressed gratitude to TIKA for its support in the renovation. He called the project a remarkable achievement of NPC’s current body, particularly Senior Vice President Ehtesham-ul-Haq. He also acknowledged the contributions of former NPC presidents Tariq Chaudhry, Shakeel Anjum, and Anwar Raza in the development of the club.
NPC President Azhar Jatoi thanked TiKA, stating, “Our aim has always been to provide world-class facilities to our members, and this refurbished hall is a testament to that vision.” Secretary Nayyar Ali called it a historic day for journalists in the twin cities, thanking TIKA for helping deliver a world-class conference hall. She also recited a poem by senior journalist and poet Sajjad Lakha, celebrating Turkish bravery.
Senior Vice President Ehtesham-ul-Haq expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Irfan Nazir Oglu, the Turkish government, and TiKA’s head, Mohsin Bey. He highlighted Mohsin Bey’s role in numerous projects across Pakistan, including university developments and the establishment of a government-operated pet clinic in Rawalpindi. Over his three-year tenure, Mohsin Bey has successfully completed more than 70 projects, gaining immense respect within Pakistan’s journalist community.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the distinguished guests by PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary Nayyar Ali, and Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi. Later, the guests planted saplings in the NPC lawn.
