The Lahore Press Club (LPC) and the Pakistan Press Club Malaysia Chapter (PPC-MC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lahore this week in order to strengthening global journalistic ties and promoting professional collaboration, . The historic document was exchanged between Arshad Ansari, President of Lahore Press Club, and S.M. Abbas, President of Pakistan Press Club Malaysia Chapter, in a formal ceremony attended by senior media personalities and office-bearers of both institutions.
The MoU marks a new chapter in international media cooperation between Pakistani journalists based in Pakistan and those working abroad—specifically in Southeast Asia. This initiative is expected to enhance mutual support, capacity-building efforts, training programs, and journalistic exchange visits.
A Significant Moment for Journalistic Unity
The MoU exchange was more than a symbolic handshake—it demonstrated the power of press clubs as institutions that bring together the voice of journalists in different corners of the world. During the official exchange, President Arshad Ansari and President S.M. Abbas expressed their optimism regarding the potential benefits of this partnership.
“This agreement reflects the commitment of both organizations to raise the standards of journalism through cooperation,” said Arshad Ansari, who has been a prominent figure in Pakistani journalism. “Our objective is to develop professional linkages, facilitate capacity building, and provide support to Pakistani journalists working abroad.”
In response, S.M. Abbas, representing the Malaysian chapter, emphasized the importance of global solidarity among media professionals. “Journalists are facing challenges across the globe, and collaboration is the key to safeguarding journalistic freedom and ethics. This MoU will open new avenues for our members in Malaysia, especially young Pakistani journalists working far from home,” he stated.
Ceremony Attended by Prominent Media Figures
The MoU signing and exchange ceremony was held at the Lahore Press Club and was attended by a number of distinguished guests and office-bearers from the media community. Among those present were:
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Afzal Talib, Senior Vice President, Lahore Press Club
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Imran Sheikh, Joint Secretary
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Saalik Nawaz, Finance Secretary
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Aamir Salamat, Senior Journalist
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Muhammad Iqbal Harper, President, Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation
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Waqar Ahmad, Media Representative
The gathering underscored the importance of cross-border journalistic cooperation and reaffirmed the commitment of both press clubs to advancing the role of journalism in promoting truth, accountability, and public service.
MoU Highlights: What’s in the Agreement?
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines a variety of cooperative measures to be pursued over the next few years. Key provisions include:
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Exchange of Delegations: Both clubs will facilitate visits and interactions between their members to promote cultural understanding and professional development.
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Training and Workshops: Joint training sessions, webinars, and workshops will be organized to enhance the skills of journalists, with a focus on digital journalism, investigative reporting, and safety in hostile environments.
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Information Sharing: Both organizations have agreed to share research, news resources, and trends impacting journalism in their respective countries.
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Support for Overseas Journalists: The LPC will assist Pakistani journalists in Malaysia through the Malaysia Chapter, and vice versa, offering support in legal, professional, and ethical matters.
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Special Programs for Young Journalists: A youth engagement initiative will be launched to train emerging reporters and media students in both countries.
Strengthening the Role of Overseas Pakistani Media
The Pakistan Press Club Malaysia Chapter plays a crucial role in highlighting the stories, struggles, and successes of the Pakistani diaspora in Southeast Asia. Its partnership with the Lahore Press Club is expected to empower diaspora journalists with access to professional platforms, tools, and institutional support that will enhance the quality and reach of their work.
“This MoU helps overseas Pakistani journalists feel more connected to the media community back home,” said Waqar Ahmad, who attended the event. “We believe this collaboration will serve as a model for other Pakistani press clubs and overseas chapters.”
Challenges Facing Journalists and the Way Forward
The media community in both Pakistan and Malaysia is facing multiple challenges—ranging from censorship, job insecurity, and disinformation to growing threats against press freedom. The MoU is seen as a practical response to these challenges, aiming to unite journalists, share best practices, and provide institutional backing to media professionals navigating turbulent times.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Muhammad Iqbal Harper, President of the Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation, highlighted the potential for sports journalism to also benefit from this collaboration. “Sports journalism has grown globally, and partnerships like these help our journalists cover international events more professionally and credibly,” he remarked.
A Call for More Global Partnerships
This MoU is part of a broader vision where Pakistani press clubs seek to expand their outreach and foster regional and global alliances. As the media landscape continues to evolve—particularly in the digital age—press clubs are no longer confined by geography. They are evolving into global networks that support ethical journalism, innovation, and advocacy.
Afzal Talib, Senior Vice President of LPC, echoed this sentiment in his remarks: “This partnership reflects our belief that journalism must adapt to global realities. The challenges we face today—disinformation, safety, digital disruption—require cross-border understanding and support. This MoU is our step in that direction.”
The signing of the MoU between the Lahore Press Club and the Pakistan Press Club Malaysia Chapter is a milestone in the journey toward strengthening international media collaboration. It not only connects journalists in Pakistan with their counterparts abroad but also reinforces the values of solidarity, integrity, and cooperation within the global Pakistani media fraternity.
As the world becomes more interconnected, such initiatives pave the way for journalists to work together in pursuit of truth, transparency, and justice—regardless of borders.
Muhammad Iqbal Harper is a Lahore-based senior journalist and President of the Pakistan Sports Journalists Federation.
