Commemoration of Hoot 27th,(March17) National Journalists' Day by the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan!

Commemoration of Hoot 27th,(March17) National Journalists’ Day by the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan!

The National House of Journalists of Afghanistan held a grand ceremony in Kabul to commemorate 27th of Hoot, March 17th, National Journalists’ Day. The event was attended by journalist support organizations, professors, university students, cultural figures, Islamic Emirate officials, and a number of media professionals and journalists. Nearly 100 journalists, professors, members of the National House, and distinguished students were honored and praised for their efforts.
Seyed Yaseen Mateen, the founder and president of the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan, congratulated journalists on National Journalists’ Day and spoke about the activities and programs of the National House. He discussed the many challenges journalists face, especially economic difficulties and the challenges in accessing information. He also expressed concern about the situation of Palestinian journalists, noting that the Israeli regime has martyred dozens of Palestinian journalists while international human rights organizations and global media have remained silent on these crimes, which he called deeply regrettable and shameful.
Mr. Matin urged the officials of the Islamic Emirate to seriously collaborate in providing accurate and timely information to the media and journalists, to prevent the spread of rumors. He also called for the creation of opportunities for enhancing journalists’ capacities by organizing short-term and long-term educational programs in Kabul and provinces.
He also announced the signing of a cooperation agreement between two private universities to offer a 70% discount for journalism students and to organize training courses for journalists this year. He emphasized that the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan strives to stand by journalists in all circumstances and provide them with more educational and cultural opportunities.
During the event, Ahmad Ershad Azimi, a professor at the Rana University Faculty of Journalism, gave an important speech on the role of journalists and the significance of the journalistic profession. He emphasized the sacrifices journalists make in providing accurate and impactful information to society, stating:
“Journalists not only gather and convey information from various sources to their audiences, but they also stand firm against imperialism and various threats to protect cultural heritage and societal values.”
He considered the day to be a blessed one and stressed that journalists should always be appreciated and respected, as their role in society is invaluable. He also announced four semi-free scholarships for students of this field.
Najeeb Arman, the news director at Radio Salam Watandar, then spoke about the importance of adhering to the key principles of journalism, which should not be sacrificed due to daily issues or unprofessional pressures. He emphasized that “Adherence to journalistic principles is a vital issue that must always be considered to ensure we carry out our mission correctly.”
Hanif Farzan, a professor at Bakhtar University Faculty of Journalism, also spoke about the importance of journalism and the challenges within the field. He congratulated journalists and journalism students on this day, calling it a day of freedom that celebrates the dedication and tireless efforts of journalists in providing accurate and timely information. He stated: “A journalist is not just a word; it is a journey—a journey filled with many ups and downs, which must be traversed with responsibility and accountability to avoid slipping.”
He considered journalism to be a “school” and added, “The school of journalism must be based on four fundamental pillars: balance, sensitivity, honesty and justice, impartiality, and accuracy and correctness.” He also announced that Bakhtar University is offering two full (100%) scholarships and ten 80% scholarships for students in this field.
Next, Hujjatullah Mujaddidi, the head of the Free Journalists Union of Afghanistan, spoke about the numerous challenges that journalists in Afghanistan face and emphasized the importance of their efforts. He noted that journalists in the country are confronted with many obstacles and that the journalist-supporting organizations and the Islamic Emirate are planning programs to alleviate these problems. He also welcomed the formation of the “Journalists’ Support Fund” by the Ministry of Information and Culture, calling it an important step in supporting journalists’ rights.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Baqir Kazemi, a university professor and experienced journalist, spoke about the challenges in journalism from both written and spoken aspects, stressing the importance of correct use of the official languages of the country. He stated, “Many journalists and media outlets face difficulties in using the correct form of Dari and Pashto, which requires serious attention and correction.” He added, “The Dari language, which originated in Afghanistan, as well as Pashto and Uzbek, should be used accurately and correctly in media and news. Journalists must be true guardians of their languages and avoid the improper use of foreign languages.”
Seyed Qareebullah Sadat, a political analyst, highlighted the importance of media and journalism in the Islamic world and Afghanistan. He also remembered Palestinian journalists, stating that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must take more serious measures to address the situation of Palestinian journalists. He further noted that Palestinian journalists have sacrificed their lives to convey the truth to the world and deserve recognition and respect.
Seyed Hashem Jawadi Balkhabi, a member of the Islamic Emirate, also spoke and introduced journalists as being at the forefront of spreading awareness. He said that journalists stand against Western media propaganda and, by publishing accurate and fair news, always strive to convey the truth to the people.
At the end of the event, over 100 journalists, university professors, and distinguished journalism students were recognized for their efforts and achievements in the media and journalism fields. This ceremony, which was attended by various officials, media representatives, and academic and cultural figures, emphasized the importance of supporting journalists and media activists, calling for improvements in their situation.
Additionally, Mr. Mohammad Milad Kamal, a university professor, congratulated journalists on this day and emphasized their strong and outstanding motivation despite the challenging circumstances. He said, “In the current situation, where journalists in Afghanistan face many problems, their motivation and tireless efforts to inform the public remain prominent and commendable.
The event concluded with a prayer for a bright future in Afghanistan’s journalism sector.