KARACHI: In a significant development for health journalism in Pakistan, the Health Reporters Association (HRA) has formally announced its first-ever cabinet for the 2026–27 term, with all office-bearers elected unopposed through mutual consensus.
The announcement was made during a well-attended meeting held at the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) House Karachi, where a large number of health reporters from electronic, print, and digital media gathered to mark the formation of the association’s inaugural leadership.
Senior journalist Akhtar Shaheen Rind was elected President, while Imran Pirzada assumed the role of General Secretary. The consensus-based election reflects a unified vision among members to strengthen health journalism and address sector-wide challenges collaboratively.
According to the official announcement, Safdar Butt was elected Senior Vice President, Imdad Soomro as Vice President, Ahsan Chandio as Deputy Secretary, and Shaheen Siddiqui as Joint Secretary.
In addition, Ibrahim Rind was elected Finance Secretary, Kanwal Jatoi as Information Secretary, and Naila Nizam as Deputy Information Secretary.
The Executive Committee comprises Abid Khan, Waseem Hashmi, Raja Irshad Ali Asadi, Maria Ismail Memon, Shahid Mirani, Rizwan Jalali, and Pawan Kumar, representing a diverse cross-section of the health reporting community.
President of Pakistan Medical Association Karachi, Dr. Ismail Memon, welcomed the participants to PMA House and extended his congratulations to the newly elected cabinet. The meeting was also attended by senior journalists and members including Sanwal Sheikh, Liaquat Jatoi, Waheed Memon, Ahsan Jatoi, and others.
Addressing the gathering, President Akhtar Shaheen Rind emphasized that the formation of the Health Reporters Association is aimed at addressing professional challenges, safeguarding the welfare of journalists, and protecting their rights.
He highlighted the critical role of health journalists in raising public awareness, noting that an organized platform was essential to support their work and amplify their impact.
“The new cabinet will actively work towards the promotion of health journalism, welfare of journalists, organization of training programs, and dissemination of authentic health information to the public,” he said.
He further added that responsible and constructive journalism can play a transformative role in building a healthier society.
The event concluded with a luncheon hosted for participants, marking the beginning of a new chapter for health reporters in Pakistan.
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