Muzaffarabad: A grand farewell ceremony was organized in honor of the Director General Information Raja Azhar Iqbal on his retirement by the Central press foundation, Muzaffarabad, and hailed his contribution for the welfare of the journalists of Azad Kashmir, activation of the Press Foundation, strengthening of the state newspapers and journalist academy.
The participants paid rich tributes to him for setting up, building and renovating press clubs, strengthening links between media persons and the information department.
The event was held at Central Press Club Muzaffarabad in which Secretary Tourism and Archeology Midhat Shehzad, Secretary Information Ansar Yaqub Khan, President Central Press Club Wahid Iqbal Butt, President TV Generalists Association Asif Raza Mir, former Presidents Central Press Club Tariq Naqash. Syed Afaq Hussain Shah, Sohail Mughal, Founding Vice Chairman Sardar Zulfiqar Ali, Directors of Information Amjad Hussain Minhas and Muhammad Bashir Mirza, senior journalists, officials and members of the Press Club, along with officers of the Information department participated.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary Tourism and Archeology Midhat Shehzad said that Director General Information Raja Azhar Iqbal played a wonderful role in the development of the Information Department, aligning it with modern requirements and strengthening the relationship between the Information Department and the media. She said that she worked with Raja Azhar Iqbal as Information Secretary for five years, Raja Azhar Iqbal is an officer with excellent personality, he has a central role in the construction of PID Complex and Central Press Club.
Addressing the ceremony, Information Secretary Ansar Yaqoob Khan said that Raja Azhar Iqbal served with dignity and headed the Information Department for nine years. He played his role in the development of the press in AJK.
He further said that if Raja Azhar Iqbal had not been DG Information, the magnificent building of Central Press Club would not have existed here today.
Organizing ceremonies in honor of Raja Azhar Iqbal at national forums is an expression of the fact that he served and earned respect. President Central Press Club Wahid Iqbal Butt said that he pays tribute to Raja Azhar Iqbal for completing his wonderful service, with the honor with which Raja Azhar Iqbal’s service is being completed, this honor is given to less people, as you have done in the Department of Information.