Karachi, June 30, 2019: Idress Bakhtiar was an institution of journalism, a man of integrity, a down-to-earth, and a humble person and the member of Pakistan’s media fraternity whose demise is irreparable for the country.
A versatile journalist who worked for print, radio and tv channels, he guided young reporters and editors at different organizations throughout his life like a teacher and a mentor. Being a veteran journalist, he always strived for the unity of the different factions of the journalists’s bodies mainly for the resolution of their issues including freedom of expression and financial constraints.
These views were expressed by senior journalists and politicians at a condolence meeting held at Karachi Press Club to pay a glowing tribute to the senior journalist Idress Bakhtiar and his service for journalism.
Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Provincial Minister, said his services for journalism and democracy will be remember forever and valuable for young media workers in Pakistan.
He was thorough gentlemen who professionally served his country and the nation with commitment and dedication, he added.
Farooq Sattar, former MNA, said that Idress Bhai was such a credible and professional journalist who did not influence with his ideology. He remained non-controversial yet a respected figure among journalists’ fraternity and among politicians.
Zafar Abbas, Editor Dawn, said Idress was not only his friend but he trained him for journalism and reporting despite of the extreme ideological differences.
He supported me in difficult times and guided me the much-needed steps in crisis situation, he added. We are firmed on our honesty and truth which bounded us to be good friends.
The services of Idress Bakhtiar were recognized by the government of Pakistan with pride of performance award. He was also honored with various awards by All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) for his investigative stories and news features.
Wussatullah Khan, Columnist at BBC, Zarar Khan,Senior Correspondent Associated Press, Mazhar Abbas, Maqsood Yousufi, Editor Daily Nai Baat, Senior Analyst, Qaiser Mehmood, Senior Editorial Member Geo News, Naseer Saleemi, Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, Abrar Bakhtiar, Arsalan Bakhtiar, Aafia Salaam, Aasia Ishaq, Qari Usman, Dost Muhammad Faizi, Mukhtar Aqil, Ali Hasan, Nusrat Sehar Abbasi, and others also spoke on the occasion.
President KPC Imtiaz Khan Faran, Secretary Arman Sabir, and senior journalists A H Khanzada and Aamir Latif were also present in the meeting.
