Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Honors Nuzaira Azam and the Struggle for Press Freedom
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
“There is a need to organize literary events to keep people of our generation engaged in social and cultural heritage,” said Bano Makhdoom, as she welcomed guests to a literary event hosted by the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Bano was addressing a gathering organized to honor Nuzaira Azam, a senior journalist and author of several books. The event, arranged by Razia Ahmad of MCMF, focused on Azam’s new book, Poori Kahani - SahafioN ki Zabani. This book is a collection of interviews with fifteen veteran Pakistani journalists who faced severe challenges in raising concerns, including censorship, violence, and financial constraints. The press plays a crucial yet perilous role, reflecting broader national issues and the ongoing fight for freedom of expression. The struggles of Pakistani journalists underscore the larger battle for freedom and human rights in the country. Their resilience and bravery are vital in the struggle for a free and independent press, which is essential for the nation's democratic development. As the author explained, this book authentically captures the hardships endured by these brave journalists.
In response to questions from the audience, Azam shared several incidents, detailing specific cases of censorship imposed on journalists to suppress press freedom. Sultan Choudhury, Syed Amir, Ashraf Soofi, Shagufta Shah, Surayya Manzoor, and others also shared their experiences related to restrictions on freedom of expression in their professional work.
I had the pleasure of meeting several elderly attendees, some of whom were older than me. MCMF is doing an outstanding job of engaging senior citizens through various programs, including literary events. Despite it being a weekday, around twenty-five people attended the event, reflecting the community's strong support.
Founded in 2008 by the late Mr. Tufail Ahmad and other compassionate Muslim residents, MCMF is committed to creating a society free from hunger and hate and serves the community through a wide range of charitable initiatives, including food distribution, support for the homeless, and educational scholarships. These programs are open to all, regardless of faith or background, and the foundation collaborates with other local organizations to maximize its impact.
Mr. Ahmad established MCMF in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to counter negative perceptions of Muslims and to promote civic engagement. Under his visionary leadership, MCMF grew into a prominent social welfare organization, earning recognition for its significant contributions to the community. Mr. Ahmad's dedication was honored with numerous awards, including the Maryland Governor’s Service Award and the Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award.
MCMF is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by an Executive Council, led by President Saba Rashid and Chairperson Sultan Chowdhury, with Anwar Hashmi as Director. The foundation's determined staff and volunteers manage day-to-day operations, ensuring the organization's continued growth and impact.
MCMF is a tax-exempt charitable institution supported by contributions from the local community. The State of Maryland and Montgomery County administrations also support the activities of this benevolent organization.
