ISLAMABAD: A special ceremony titled “Maseeha” was held at the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, in honour of renowned physician, social worker, and political figure Dr. Jamal Nasir. The event was jointly organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ-Dastoor), and the National Press Club.

On the occasion, the National Press Club and City Lab signed an agreement to provide 50 percent discount on diagnostic laboratory tests and 40 percent discount on radiology services for NPC members, staff, and their families.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Dr. Jamal Nasir thanked the organizers and participants, saying he had always received respect and affection from the journalistic community. He recalled that his late father had maintained close ties with journalists and political workers, which fostered his own deep respect for the profession.

Describing journalism as an “oppressed profession,” Dr. Nasir said journalists consistently struggle for the rights and freedoms of others but often face difficulties when fighting for their own rights. He urged journalist organizations to remain united and raise a collective voice for their legitimate concerns.

Reflecting on his political career, Dr. Nasir said he never used public office for personal gain or misused government resources during his tenure as a minister. He emphasized that a minister who cannot make principled decisions under undue pressure should step down rather than compromise on ethics. He added that the values of honesty and integrity instilled by his parents had guided him throughout his public life.

NPC President Abdul Razzaq Syal praised Dr. Jamal Nasir’s humanitarian contributions, stating that his services in healthcare, environmental protection, and public welfare were commendable. He proposed that City Lab and the National Press Club jointly organize medical awareness seminars and free medical camps for journalists.

NPC Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao said the National Press Club would always welcome personalities dedicated to serving humanity. He announced that, under the agreement with Dr. Jamal Nasir and City Lab, approximately 3,349 NPC members, along with their spouses, children, and parents, would benefit from discounted healthcare services.

PFUJ President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza highlighted Dr. Jamal Nasir’s family legacy and his longstanding commitment to helping underprivileged people. He said Dr. Nasir had always prioritized the needs of deserving patients and had earned widespread respect through his welfare initiatives in Rawalpindi.

Senior journalist Sajjad Azhar described Dr. Jamal Nasir as one of Rawalpindi’s most distinguished personalities whose contributions to healthcare and social welfare had secured him a prominent place in the city’s history. He remarked that wealth and business may not endure, but humanitarian services are remembered for generations.

Former NPC President Tariq Chaudhry said Dr. Jamal Nasir had set an example of simplicity and integrity in politics, noting that he refrained from misusing official resources during his ministerial tenure and even carried his meals from home to his office.

Photojournalist Sajjad Haider said people need support most during visits to hospitals, mosques, and police stations, adding that Dr. Jamal Nasir had always stood by journalists, their families, and ordinary citizens in difficult times.

Senior journalist Khalid Azeem termed Dr. Jamal Nasir a true humanitarian, saying he had helped countless deserving patients who could not afford medical treatment.

RIUJ President Rana Kausar Ali thanked Dr. Jamal Nasir and all participants for attending the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the event, the National Press Club presented a commemorative shield to Dr. Jamal Nasir in recognition of his outstanding social, medical, and welfare services. A shield was also presented to Tahir Hussain Hashmi, President of the Gujranwala Union of Journalists (Dastoor). The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior journalists, office-bearers of media organizations, and members of the journalistic community, who paid tribute to Dr. Jamal Nasir’s continued commitment to serving humanity.