London: (Staff Reporter) – Senior journalist Arshad Rachyal has been elected president of the Pakistan Press Club UK for a fourth consecutive term, with speakers describing him as a committed custodian of the mission of the club’s late founder, Mubeen Chaudhry.
The central annual elections of the Pakistan Press Club UK were held successfully at Pakistan Centre in London. Journalists from across the United Kingdom participated in the election process to choose the organisation’s leadership for the 2026-27 term. A large number of political, social, business and media personalities from London and surrounding areas also attended the event.
The Pakistan Press Club UK, regarded as an important platform for overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri journalists, was founded 17 years ago by the late Mubeen Chaudhry. Speakers said Arshad Rachyal played a key role alongside the founder in strengthening the institution and continued serving the organisation with commitment following Chaudhry’s death.
The journalist community once again placed its trust in Rachyal, electing him president for the fourth time.
Addressing the ceremony, Central Secretary General Musarrat Iqbal Raja, founding Secretary General Azhar Javed and Senior Vice President Shiraz Khan said the contributions of Mubeen Chaudhry and Arshad Rachyal were closely linked in the history of the press club.
They said that after the founder’s passing, Rachyal kept the organisation united through patience, determination and leadership, earning the confidence and respect of the journalist community.
The election process was supervised by Central Chief Election Commissioner Chaudhry Naheed Randhawa, who administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers. Speakers described the process as transparent, organised and democratic.
In his address, newly elected President Arshad Rachyal thanked Chief Election Commissioner Chaudhry Naheed Randhawa, election committee members Chaudhry Akram Abid, former mayor Tariq Dar, Barrister Zeeshan and all delegates for conducting the elections in an impartial and professional manner.
Rachyal said responsible, principled and fact-based journalism could play a constructive role in helping societies address challenges. He said journalism was a responsible profession governed by ethical standards, professional codes, national laws and international media principles.
He added that social media had created new opportunities for freedom of expression, but stressed that it should be used responsibly, with tolerance, research and verification, to promote social harmony, positive thinking and mutual respect.
Rachyal said the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir share centuries-old social, cultural, family and trade ties that should be further strengthened. He said the role of media should be to promote awareness, unity, tolerance and positive thinking rather than division.
He pledged to work with the late Mubeen Chaudhry’s colleagues as well as senior and young journalists to make the Pakistan Press Club UK more active through mutual respect, consultation and a spirit of service. He said the founder’s mission would be carried forward with integrity, sincerity and dedication.
The newly elected cabinet includes Central Secretary General Musarrat Iqbal Raja, Senior Vice President Shiraz Khan, Vice Presidents SM Irfan Tahir and Imran Raja, Secretary Information Sarfraz Ahmad Musa, Finance Secretary Chaudhry Atiqur Rehman, and executive committee members Adil Khan, Sajid Aziz, Shakeel Anjum Rajput, Nawaz Majeed, Shamrez Hussain, Abrar Mughal and Chaudhry Muhammad Altaf Shahid.
Chairman of the Literary and Cultural Wing and former Secretary General Sajid Yousaf said he had devoted his efforts during the past year to improving the club’s effectiveness, reputation and activities, and would continue serving the institution and the journalist community.
Founding Secretary General Azhar Javed said the organisation founded by Mubeen Chaudhry 17 years ago had grown into a strong institution. He said members would continue working together to bring greater innovation, expansion and improvement to the press club.
Community leaders, including Mushtaq Lashari, former mayor Chaudhry Munir, Raja Sikandar and Javed Aziz Rathore, along with presidents and office-bearers of regional branches, congratulated the newly elected team.
They expressed confidence that under Arshad Rachyal’s leadership, the Pakistan Press Club UK would play a stronger role in promoting Pakistan’s positive image, highlighting the Kashmir cause, raising issues faced by overseas Pakistanis and supporting responsible journalism.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the forgiveness, higher spiritual status and continued mission of the late founder Mubeen Chaudhry.
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