The Multan Union of Journalists (MUJ) Minhaj Barna Group held its elections on February 5, 2025, at the Multan Press Club in a seemingly smooth process. However, beneath the surface, the election raised significant concerns about transparency, inclusivity, and democratic practices.
A considerable number of working journalists from Multan participated in the voting process, as per the voter list prepared by the former office bearers. However, many professional journalists were deliberately left out of the list, including several who had voted in the 2024 elections but were mysteriously removed this time. The Election Committee did not entertain any objections regarding this issue, raising questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Exclusion of Professional Journalists
The voter list was particularly controversial as it excluded journalists working for major newspapers and TV channels. Shockingly, journalists from Ab Tak News TV and several other media houses were denied representation. Apart from three or four photojournalists, no other field journalists were granted membership.
This pattern of selective inclusion and exclusion raises concerns that a handful of influential figures have turned MUJ into a private limited company, where decisions are made based on personal preferences rather than democratic principles.
Undemocratic Election Process
Instead of calling a General Body meeting and seeking formal approval for the Election Committee, the former office bearers unilaterally formed a committee in a secretive manner. The election schedule, voter list, and committee formation were neither circulated via WhatsApp nor communicated through official notices. This lack of transparency indicates an attempt to orchestrate an uncontested election, favoring a select few.
I, along with several others, was not informed about the nomination process until the very last day. Despite this, we managed to form an incomplete panel and contest the elections with minimal resources.
Campaign Challenges and Violations
Given the limited time for campaigning, my team and I could reach only about 100 voters. Throughout the campaign, I strongly opposed the inclusion of media owners, digital media proprietors, and individuals with hiring and firing powers in the voter list, as this was a clear violation of MUJ’s constitution. Despite our objections, 30 such individuals were allowed to vote, bringing along employees from their media houses—many of whom were clearly under pressure to vote against candidates advocating for journalists’ rights.
While most of my panel members focused on securing votes from these influential figures, I remained firm in my stance against compromising MUJ’s core values. Some considered this a tactical mistake, but to me, it was a matter of principle.
Fighting for Journalists’ Rights
During my campaign, I also raised my voice for journalists who were unfairly dismissed from their jobs. I highlighted salary delays, non-registration in EOBI (Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution) and Social Security, lack of medical allowances, and other injustices faced by media workers.
Due to this stance, I faced resistance from media houses while campaigning. Several media outlets threatened employees supporting us, making it difficult for us to engage with voters freely. I personally bore the brunt of this hostility, as my pro-labor stance was seen as a direct challenge to media owners.
An Unpopular Yet Essential Agenda
I urged journalists to rise above caste, sectarian, and ideological divisions when casting their votes. Unfortunately, even within my panel, some candidates were uncomfortable with my radical approach.
Throughout my campaign, I tried to convince journalists that MUJ is a trade union, and their fundamental rights depend on its strength. However, since not a single media house in Multan has an active journalists’ union, the concept of trade unionism remains weak.
Election Results and Lessons Learned
Given the lack of support for my agenda, I expected to receive a maximum of 50 votes. Eventually, I secured 43 votes, out of which 7 were rejected.This result, however, was not surprising. Fear, coercion, and financial dependencies played a crucial role in determining the election outcome. Several professional journalists privately admitted their inability to vote freely.
Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that we are on the right path. Today, the reactionary forces within MUJ have secured victory, but change is inevitable. If we continue our struggle with persistence, the coming years will see a shift in power dynamics, and we will be in the majority.
The Road Ahead
Going forward, we plan to:
Revive the MUJ Workers’ Group and establish a permanent office.
Organize campaigns for job security, benefits, and wage protection for journalists.
Ensure that no working journalist is left out of the voter list in future elections.
I sincerely thank my fellow journalists and supporters who stood by me despite the challenging circumstances. Your commitment to a progressive, pro-labor MUJ gives me hope.
Our struggle will continue—not just for journalists’ rights, but also in solidarity with all workers. We will remain vocal against state and non-state oppression and never compromise our journalistic integrity.In Solidarity,