The minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held in connection with World Sports Journalists Day and the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA).
ANSAR BHATTI
ISLAMABAD, JUL 8 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has lauded the role of sports journalists as the backbone of Pakistan’s sporting culture, calling them true ambassadors of the nation on the global stage. He praised their tireless efforts in promoting sports and assured that the government will extend its full support to amplify their work and visibility.
The minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held in connection with World Sports Journalists Day and the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA). The event, organized with the support of Serena Hotels, was attended by an esteemed lineup of guests including CEO Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani, Olympian Shahbaz Senior, Olympian Sadaf Siddiqui, boxer Usman Wazeer, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, National Press Club Secretary Nayyar Ali, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi, senior journalist Aliya Rasheed, and office-bearers from various sports bodies, associations and media organizations.
Tarar highlighted that sports journalists have been a source of hope and recognition for countless athletes, helping them rise to national and international prominence. “Without sports journalists, the public’s interest in competitions would have diminished. Their contribution to promoting sports is truly commendable,” he said. He further acknowledged their role in showcasing talent, fostering sportsmanship, and energizing the spirit of healthy competition across the country.
“I salute the sports journalists of Pakistan,” he added. “Our international sporting achievements owe much to their dedication. Whatever support is required—from coverage to promotion—the government will provide it. We are committed to going the extra mile to stand with them.”
Thanking Serena Hotels for hosting the event, the minister appreciated its ongoing contribution to sports through the Sports Diplomacy initiative. He emphasized that such public-private collaborations are vital for strengthening Pakistan’s sports infrastructure and global visibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, underlined the importance of nurturing sports and youth talent in Pakistan. “Our athletes are immensely gifted, and they deserve our full backing to raise Pakistan’s flag high globally,” he said.
Reiterating Serena’s long-term commitment to sports, Boolani added, “Through our Sports Diplomacy initiative, we will continue to support all forms of sports by providing platforms for both athletes and journalists.”
During the ceremony, Minister Attaullah Tarar also administered the oath to RISJA’s newly elected office-bearers. PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC Secretary Nayyar Ali, RISJA President Abu Bakar bin Talat, Patron Abdul Mohi Shah, and Chairman Shakeel Awan also addressed the gathering, highlighting the vital role of sports journalism in promoting a positive image of Pakistan.=DNA
