The Crime Reporters Association (CRA) organised its annual Iftar and dinner gathering on Monday, bringing together members of the journalist community as well as prominent personalities from various institutions and other walks of life.
According to a press release issued by the Sindh Police Public Relations office, Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho attended the event as the chief guest.
Upon his arrival, CRA President Sameer Qureshi, General Secretary Nadeem Ahmed and other office-bearers warmly welcomed the IGP. The gathering was attended by spokespersons of various government and non-government organisations, media representatives and other prominent personalities.
{articipants exchanged views on strengthening professional ties and discussed matters related to journalism and cooperation between media and law enforcement agencies.
Other distinguished attendees included Shiraz Nazir, DIG Special Branch; Farukh Lanjar, DIG East Zone; Shaukat Khatiyan, DIG; Ali Raza, SSP; Zubair Nazir Shaikh, SSP; and Dr Imran Khan, SSP.
Also present were Muhammad Khawar Jadoon of the Pakistan Rangers Sindh; Saad Ali Khan, spokesperson for the Sindh Police; Rehan Khan, spokesperson for the Karachi Police; Chaudhry Shahid, spokesperson for the Chhipa Welfare Association; and Ali Hashmi and Ammar Yasir, representatives of K-Electric.
Among others who attended were Imtiaz Ali Bukhari, chief executive officer of Bukhari Group of Companies; Khurram Jaffrani, head of AdPulse; Murad Soni, head of CPK and a noted social personality; Rizwan Irfan, president of the Electronic Market; and Minhaj Gulfam, president of the Karachi Mobile and Electronics Dealers Association.
During the ceremony, the CRA presented cultural and traditional gifts, including Ajrak, to the IGP and awarded honorary shields to police officers and spokespersons in recognition of their services.
Addressing the gathering, Odho extended his greetings on the holy month of Ramazan and appreciated the role of crime reporters. “First of all, I extend my greetings to everyone on the holy month of Ramadan,” he said. “Today’s Iftar dinner brings together police officers, professionals from various fields and crime reporters from across the city.”
He said the work of police was sometimes appreciated and at times constructively criticised, adding that such feedback helped improve institutional performance. “Ramazan teaches lessons of fraternity, tolerance and mutual harmony,” he said, adding that positive and effective communication between police and the media plays an important role in crime prevention and public awareness.
“The media plays a key role in promoting positive thinking in society and spreading the message of rule of law,” he said, adding that gatherings like the Iftar dinner provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships and bring people together.
Participants appreciated the journalistic services of the Crime Reporters Association and highlighted the important role crime reporters play in bringing issues related to law and justice to public attention. They also stressed the need for stronger coordination and cooperation between journalists and law enforcement agencies. At the conclusion of the ceremony, special prayers were offered for the country’s peace, security, development and prosperity.
