Sukkur (By Danish Rajput)
A historic event unfolded at Rohri Railway Station as participants of the Regional Union of Journalists (RUJ) Pakistan’s nationwide Train March were given a rousing welcome by local journalists and media workers. The atmosphere at the station turned electric as journalists from Rohri, Sukkur, and surrounding areas showered rose petals on the leaders of the march and chanted slogans in support of their cause.
The train march, organized under the banner of RUJ Pakistan, is a significant and symbolic movement aimed at highlighting the long-standing challenges faced by regional journalists across the country. The leadership of the march includes RUJ Pakistan’s Senior Vice President Taher Ahmed Shah, Secretary General Abid Mughal, Information Secretary Shehzad Naqvi, Balochistan Chapter President Tahir Ali, and Social Media Secretary Owais Mughal, who are leading the initiative with passion and resolve.
The Train March is being conducted to press for the acceptance of RUJ’s ten-point Charter of Demands, which calls for the recognition of regional journalists’ rights, improvement in their working conditions, and the formulation of fair media policies ensuring their safety and dignity. According to the RUJ leadership, the movement is entirely peaceful and democratic, aiming to present the legitimate grievances of regional journalists before both the federal and provincial governments.
At the Rohri station, participants of the march emphasized that local journalists are the backbone of the national media structure. They report from remote and often challenging areas without adequate resources or protection, yet play a crucial role in strengthening democracy by ensuring access to information. Speakers at the event reiterated that the demands of regional journalists are not merely financial; they include the right to job security, health benefits, press freedom, and protection against threats and political pressure.
The RUJ leaders further stated that the ten-point charter also seeks legislation for insurance coverage of journalists working in conflict zones, establishment of media colonies, transparent distribution of government advertisements, and equal representation of regional journalists in national press bodies. They urged media owners and government institutions to acknowledge the essential contribution of district correspondents who often risk their lives for the sake of truth.
The march, which started from the northern regions, will continue its journey through major cities including Multan, Hyderabad, and Nawabshah, finally concluding in Karachi on November 13, where a grand rally will be organized. The final event in Karachi is expected to bring together media professionals, civil society members, and representatives from various journalist unions to show solidarity with the cause.
Local journalist associations and press clubs from Sindh expressed full support for the RUJ’s efforts, declaring the movement a “voice for justice” for thousands of underpaid and under-recognized media workers across Pakistan. They hailed the leadership’s initiative as a milestone in the struggle for journalist rights and professional integrity.
