ISLAMABAD
(Diplomatic Reporter): French Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr Jean-Noël Poirier, visited the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, where he was warmly received by NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr Furqan Rao, and senior journalists.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening media relations between Pakistan and France, promoting professional cooperation, and exploring avenues for capacity-building and institutional engagement between the French Embassy and the National Press Club.
During his visit, the French Ambassador also planted a sapling on the Press Club premises as a gesture reflecting the importance of environmental awareness and shared responsibility. He was subsequently briefed on the Club’s history, organisational structure, various departments, facilities, welfare initiatives and professional activities.
Welcoming the distinguished guest, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier for visiting the National Press Club. He described the visit as a welcome opportunity to promote mutual understanding and strengthen professional and institutional ties between the media communities of Pakistan and France.
He said that the National Press Club was committed to protecting journalists’ welfare, promoting professional excellence, facilitating capacity-building opportunities and providing a platform for constructive engagement on issues of national and international importance. He added that interaction with diplomatic missions could play a valuable role in broadening journalists’ perspectives and familiarising them with international developments and media practices.
NPC Secretary Dr Furqan Rao briefed the Ambassador on the Club’s institutional history, organisational framework, ongoing welfare programmes and professional initiatives. He highlighted the importance of equipping Pakistani journalists with contemporary skills, particularly in digital journalism, modern communication, investigative reporting and emerging international media practices.
Dr Furqan Rao emphasised that professional training programmes, workshops and interactive sessions were essential to strengthening the capacity of journalists and enabling them to meet the evolving challenges of the media landscape.
Expressing the National Press Club’s interest in developing closer cooperation with the French Embassy, he hoped that joint initiatives could be explored to organise professional training workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions and opportunities for interaction with French media professionals. Such engagements, he said, would help Pakistani journalists gain valuable exposure to international journalistic standards, communication techniques and contemporary media experiences.
He further stated that the National Press Club was keen to contribute positively to strengthening not only professional media relations but also the broader cultural and people-to-people connections between Pakistan and France.
Speaking informally with NPC office-bearers and senior journalists, Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier expressed his willingness to engage with Pakistani journalists and explore possible avenues of cooperation with the National Press Club. He underscored the importance of maintaining regular communication, exchanging perspectives and fostering meaningful interaction between diplomatic representatives and the media.
The Ambassador’s visit was widely welcomed as a positive gesture towards strengthening engagement between the French diplomatic mission and Pakistan’s journalistic community. Discussions also covered opportunities for future joint activities, professional exchanges and initiatives aimed at enhancing journalists’ skills and exposure to international media practices.
At the conclusion of the visit, NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial thanked Ambassador Jean-Noël Poirier for taking the time to visit the National Press Club. He appreciated the Ambassador’s cordial interaction with journalists and his positive interest in exploring cooperation with the Pakistani media community.
He expressed hope that the visit would serve as a foundation for sustained engagement, stronger professional connections and mutually beneficial initiatives between the French Embassy and the National Press Club in the future.
