Karachi Press Club has awarded honorary membership to the renowned journalist, analyst, columnist, poet, and author, Mahmood Shaam, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism and literature. The appreciation ceremony, held in his honor, was presided over by the Acting President of the Karachi Press Club, Nawab Qureshi, with Secretary Shoaib Ahmed serving as the event’s host. Mahmood Shaam expressed his deep gratitude for this honor, stating, “Karachi Press Club has made unparalleled sacrifices for press freedom and the restoration of democracy.
It is an immense pride for me to be a part of this institution.” He also reflected on his long association with the Press Club, recalling his participation in various movements for press freedom and democracy, during which he faced arrests and job terminations. Nawab Qureshi, in his address, lauded Mahmood Shaam’s contributions, stating that he has always worked with dedication and without discrimination between senior and junior journalists.
Qureshi emphasized that honoring Shaam aims to further strengthen the journalist community and that the new generation has much to learn from his vast experience. Karachi Press Club Secretary Shoaib Ahmed praised Shaam’s decades-long service in journalism and literature, particularly his time at Daily Jang, where many learned from him.
He expressed the desire for more intellectual and literary figures like Mahmood Shaam to be part of the Karachi Press Club, considering them invaluable assets. The ceremony was also addressed by former Secretary of Karachi Press Club MaqsoodYousufi and senior journalist Shamim Akhtar, who echoed the sentiments of admiration for Shaam’s work and influence in the field.
The event was attended by a large number of journalists and dignitaries, including Mahmood Shaam’s wife Bilqees Mahmood, senior journalist MaqsoodYousufi, Mazhar Abbas, Professor Tauseef Ahmed, Chairman Karachi Port Trust Syed Sadiq Raza Zaidi, and various leaders from labor unions and political parties. The ceremony concluded with Mahmood Shaam donating his books to the Karachi Press Club’s library.
