By Humaira Motala
In a rare but welcome gesture, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jameeli, serving his second consecutive term, hosted a luncheon for women journalists to hear their concerns and suggestions firsthand. A good number of female journalists attended. KPC General Secretary Aslam Khan and governing body member Sheema Siddiqua were also present.
For women journalists in Karachi, the newsroom is only half the story. Beyond deadlines, beats, and breaking news, they carry the weight of a double role — as working professionals and as homemakers. It is this unseen labor that makes spaces like the KPC luncheon significant — not just as a meeting, but as recognition that their challenges are different, and their voices need a dedicated forum.
During the discussion, President Fazil Jameeli disclosed that the Sindh government’s Pink Scooty scheme was initially his brainchild. He said he had advised the Sindh Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Sharjeel Inam Memon, to launch it to empower women, building on the province’s existing Pink Bus service for females.
The conversation moved beyond formalities to everyday issues — from canteen management and cleanliness to broader facilities. Jameeli briefed the gathering on ongoing initiatives, including the Pink Scooty Training program and the club’s pending requisition to the Sindh government for support. More importantly, he sought concrete recommendations from the women present on making KPC’s services more inclusive, signaling a shift from token representation to real consultation.
The luncheon concluded with a vote of thanks from women members. Later, in an interview, President Fazil Jameeli — a poet and writer of repute who enjoys great respect in literary and scholarly circles — outlined the elected body’s plans. Known for his thoughtful verse and warm leadership, he spoke with vision and clarity about expanding facilities and empowering members.
In a major announcement, he said: “KPC will be the first club in Pakistan to introduce daycare centers for women members. This will help them work with greater peace of mind.”
While the Women Development Department had committed to building one, no action has followed. KPC is now approaching the corporate sector and overseas Pakistanis for support. The women’s complex infrastructure is ready, but running a daycare will require significant expense — trained governesses, teachers, a nutritionist, and food for toddlers and school-going children.
“This project is very close to my heart,” he said.
Jameeli added that the club was preparing women journalists for the digital media boom. “We have already set up a state-of-the-art studio. Dozens are already benefiting by making vlogs and monetizing their channels,” he said. The aim, he noted, is to help women become financially independent through digital content.
He also highlighted a major opportunity: Sindh government financing for digital projects.
“The Sindh government has offered to finance documentaries and digital content that showcase Sindh to the world,” he said. The scope includes the province’s landscape, rivers, coastline, Indus Delta, history, culture, languages, Sufi heritage, folk music, handicrafts, cuisine, and ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-daro and Kot Diji, as well as contributions of Sindhi scholars, poets and leaders.
“From the government’s point of view, this is about narrative building,” he said. “They want young content creators to tell Sindh’s real story — its pluralism, resilience and heritage — through modern digital platforms. In return, the Sindh government will provide financial support for quality projects that project a positive image of the province.”
On sustainability, Fazil Jameeli said KPC was the only club in Pakistan working on green energy. The current body was enhancing solar capacity with larger panels and better batteries to make the club more self-reliant and cut electricity costs.
He also updated members on KPC Media Town. A summary sent to the provincial government has been approved for sewerage, drainage, roads and other infrastructure at Hawksbay Media Town.
The President further said the body was considering a big family picnic and an annual family gala. Recommendations are being invited from women members to make club life more inclusive.
Wrapping up, Jameeli said; the focus is clear: to make KPC more inclusive, self-reliant and future-ready.
“From green energy and Media Town infrastructure to daycare centers, digital studios and skill programs for women, the aim is to build a club where every member — especially women — feels supported. These are not just projects. They are steps toward a KPC that reflects the creativity, resilience and spirit of its journalists.
