ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist and a staunch unionist Pervez Shaukat passed away early Friday morning at the age of 68.

       He was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Rawalpindi. He had been ill for the last few months. He left behind a widow and four children.

       Starting his career with APP, Mr Shaukat later joined PIA where his union activities cost him his job during Gen Zia’s regime.

       He then joined daily Jang and his association of over 40 years with the newspaper lasted till his last breath.

       He covered a variety of beats, including defence, parliament, education, aviation and railways.

       Trade union was his forte and he remained the secretary of Rawalpindi Press Club, president of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists and APNEC chairman. He also served as the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president three times.

       He was the uncle of Dawn Islamabad news editor Adeel Raza.

       The Qul prayers will be held at Imambargah Colonel Maqbool College Road Rawalpindi at 2pm on Sunday.

       In his condolence message, caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of senior journalist Pervez Shaukat.

       He said Pervez Shaukat was a sound voice of the journalist community and his services for journalism and welfare of journalists will always be remembered.

       The minister prayed for the departed soul and also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

       “The passing of Pervez Shaukat marks the end of an era in Pakistani journalism, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy and dedication to the profession,” said the minister.

       Secretary Information and Broadcasting Shaheera Shahid also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Pervez Shaukat.

       In her condolence statement, she said Pervez Shaukat was a talented and hardworking journalist who devoted his entire life for the rights of journalist community.

       She said the deceased dedicated his entire life to the profession of journalism and the rights of the journalist community.

       Shaheera Shahid said: “His valuable services in the field of journalism will always be remembered.”

       Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir extended heartfelt condolences on the passing away of journalist Pervez Shaukat.

       He paid tributes to Pervez Shaukat for his commendable contribution to the field of journalism, emphasising that his services would be remembered for long. Amir Mir prayed for the elevated status of the soul and patience for the bereaved family.

       The National Press Club and the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) also condoled the demise of Pervez Shaukat.

       Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024