Jamal Mohsin
Minister Ahmed Shah
Dr Fatema Hassan
Tariq Mehmood Mian
Audience
Class of 1974
Memorable 50-Year Reunion of Journalism Students
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
The distinguished 1974 batch of the Department of Journalism at Karachi University joyously celebrated their golden jubilee reunion on January 24, 2024. This momentous gathering took place at the serene venue of the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, providing a picturesque backdrop for the celebration. Bringing together 13 former colleagues on the same stage, the gathering marked a remarkable reunion after half a century. Notably, these individuals traveled great distances from the USA, Canada, England, and various corners of the globe to be present on this special occasion.
The event witnessed the participation of esteemed faculty members from the department, now transformed into the Institute of Mass Communication, along with both senior and junior pass-outs. This convergence of generations added depth and richness to the already nostalgic atmosphere.
Organized by Dr Fatema Hassan, Jamal Mohsin, Tariq Mehmood Mian, and other dedicated individuals, the event demonstrated an unwavering commitment to crafting a captivating visual odyssey through time. The exhibition skillfully presented a poignant narrative by juxtaposing images of the participants from 1974 with their present-day selves in 2024, offering a powerful reflection on the transformative journey of the passing decades.
Beyond the visible physical changes captured in the photographs, the enduring spirit of 1974 radiated vibrantly from each participant. This collection of images and accompanying write-ups encapsulating their remarkable half-century journey has been meticulously preserved in a special Souvenir released on this momentous occasion. It stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the profound impact of time on the lives of these individuals.
The event drew a notable crowd, with the presence of numerous journalists and well-known personalities such as Mazhar Abbas, Naseer Hashmi, Shahnaz Ahad, Rashid Butt, Moinuddin Aqeel, Iqbal Mohsin, Nazira Azam, Dr Zafar Iqbal, Dr. Shamsuddin, Khaleda Siddiqui, Atta Muhammad Tabasum, Saleem Mughal, Mehmood Ghaznavi, Sammy Naghmana, Tahir Habib, Sajid Hussain, Tauseef Ahmad Khan, Naheed Sultan Mirza, Akram Qaimkhani, Hassan Javed, Sattar Javed, Asmat Ara, Yasmeen Farooqi, Abid Hussain, Sami Gohar, Wajia Ahmad Siddiqui, Owais Adeeb Ansari, and numerous other friends whose attendance added to the vibrant atmosphere of the occasion.
The reunion was characterized by heartfelt exchanges as the alumni shared anecdotes and jokes, and reminisced about the interactions that defined their student life. The inaugural ceremony, graced by Ahmad Shah, the President of the Arts Council and the current Information Minister, the Sindh Government, added an official touch to this emotionally charged event. Ahmed Shah himself is an alumnus of the University. As the evening unfolded, it became a living testament to the enduring bonds forged in the corridors of the Department of Journalism half a century ago.
